[state_machine]

I've only done much less hellish Grand Central version, and I think Metro North publishes track assignments much earlier.

That said though, just imagine how much worse it would be if that mass rush was between platforms, fighting opposing traffic, instead of just from a (mostly) open waiting area.

[bogomipz]

>"I've only done much less hellish Grand Central version, and I think Metro North publishes track assignments much earlier."

There is so much more space to wait for track assignments as well as space on the grand stairwell to get down to the track in Grand Central(even with tourists) that I don't think they are comparable at all.

If the Metro North does publish assignments much earlier it's likely because its much safer to do so. Although I don't think I've ever seen people waiting on the platforms for Metro North trains in Grand Central.

[state_machine]

Yeah, that's fair. If I have to take LIRR, I'll generally use Atlantic and switch at Jamaica if needed -- anything to avoid Penn.

[jrockway]

If you're trying to get a seat on a train that originates at Penn, changing at Jamaica doesn't help, however.