I used to work in a museum all the way downtown, which meant that a few days a week, I was commuting from the Bronx to Battery Park City-- for a total of 2 hours a day.
Obviously, a big part of the experience of working in the city is the actual commute.
But let's face it: commuting is like 95% of the reason why New Yorkers complain so much in the first place.
You're guilty of it, I'm guilty of it, we've all done it, so let's just get that out of the way now.
Anyway, commuting never seems to go smoothly, no matter where you're coming from or where you're going. Here are 9 expectations that you'll have when commuting in New York City versus what actually ends up happening.
Expectations
You'll walk a few blocks to catch the bus and if it's not waiting for you when you get there, it'll come within a minute of you getting to the bus stop.
The brutal reality
You'll get to the bus stop, and just as you get there, the bus will pull away and you'll be stuck-- upwards of ten minutes until the next one comes.
[anad]
Expectations
This morning, there won't be any traffic, so the bus shouldn't arrive late.
The brutal reality
Puhhhhlease. The New York area is basically the traffic hub of the East Coast.
You should always expect traffic unless it's a holiday, because it's literally always everywhere.
Expectations
The subway car that is being held at the station will wait another minute so that you can get in, quickly and painlessly.
The brutal reality
Those doors will shut the moment that you get within three steps of the subway car, and you know it.
[anad2]
Expectations
The train you're on will be running express for rush hour.
The brutal reality
The train you're on is supposed to be running express for rush hour, but the monotonous conductor will announce that the train will now be running local, conveniently right before it was supposed to run express.
,Expectations
Your one-hour long subway ride will make it to your destination with very few delays and no instances of train traffic.
The brutal reality
Don't be so naive. There's no such thing as train tracks without train traffic.
[anad]
Expectations
Your express train will give no f*cks and will not wait for the local train to arrive so local passengers cannot successfully transfer onboard.
The brutal reality
But that would be so selfish of that express train not to wait for all those local passengers!
In fact, your generous conductor will wait ten minutes for every local train to arrive so local passengers can successfully make it onboard.
Expectations
There won't be any line changes for the train you're on.
The brutal reality
About fifteen minutes in, the conductor hastily announces that this stop will be the final one and that all passengers must get off the train.
Expectations
The subway's seats will all be totally empty and you'll be able to sit comfortably and enjoy your ride to work.
The brutal reality
This is rush hour, and every car is PACKED. And when you do actually get to sit down, it sure as hell won't be a comfortable portion of the seat.
Hope your butt wanted company.
[anad2]
Expectations
If you have to walk to work, your walk from the subway or bus to your office will be really short and easy.
The sun will be shining, and birds will be chirping. Basically, a walk in a park.
The brutal reality
Even if your commute includes a walk in the park, it definitely won't be that at all.
You're going to love walking a mile in the snow and rain... just kidding, no you won't.
If you enjoyed this article, check out Living With Your BFF in NYC: Expectations Vs. Reality!