Life With the LIRR (The Long Island Rail Road)

In 1952, I hailed from Egypt as a Fulbright in the US; and in 1972, I discovered the LIRR. A discovery that was occasioned by an invitation from Stony Brook University to teach international politics as an adjunct professor. That discovery saved my wife's time, 4 hours daily, driving me from our apartment in Manhattan to the university and back.

There was an added value to this commute. While on the train, I was able to review my notes, grade papers, sum up complex issues. All in the comfort of those well kept train cars, and the availability of accessible and clean bathrooms. And because I had a regular and predictable schedule, LIRR personnel took to greeting me, humoring me, and even asking about my not showing up when I was on vacation.

"A camaraderie on wheels" has become for me a cherished value. It developed on the Port Jefferson Line (one of the LIRR eleven lines) which shuttles me weekly between Manhattan and Stony Brook. It was by sheer chance that I noticed the sign "LIRR Cares." Stopping over at the LIRR Waiting Room, supported by my cane, I asked for assistance to access my train going home. Suddenly an entire procedure unfolded. The young lady at the service desk help up her phone whispering something.

Raising her head, she asked me: "What's your name?" "Yassin," I answered using my first name. In a few minutes, a smiling Afro-American young woman came calling for "Yassin." Wearing a red jacket, and the warmest possible smile, she asked me: "Are you taking the 9:05 AM to Stony Brook?" "Yes," I responded. "Follow me, and let me pull your bag for you."

 Following her to elevator 18, I expressed my gratitude; then asked for her name. "Stariasia," came the modulated response. Then she added: "When you change at Jamaica, Brian shall be waiting for you to help." And indeed, Brian, with his red jacket and a wave, was there for me. And on my way to Stony Brook to celebrate Halloween evening, another red jacket was awaiting me at Jamaica. This time it was Tony.

An entire system dedicated to help everyone, especially the elderly and the disabled. Once on the train from Jamaica to Stony Brook, the ticket collector materialized asking: "Tell me if you need help."

 May God Bless our great LIRR!!

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