Let us all rejoice in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Grand Central Terminal, which first opened on February 2, 1913.
Contrast this with the late, great Penn Station Terminal, which was destroyed in the name of progress in 1962. Fast forward 51 years later. Penn Station is still a shell of its former glory. There is no natural lighting, decent food court, gourmet food shops, upscale stores or quality restaurants. Most Long Island Rail Road and New Jersey Transit commuters rush in and out each day. Grand Central Terminal has high ceilings, natural light, a food court, gourmet food shops, upscale stores and great restaurants such as the Oyster Bar.
Not only do Metro-North commuters have a real terminal, but they are joined on a daily basis by thousands of people who work nearby and patronize the great food court, quality restaurants and stores. LIRR commuters just have a station.
LIRR riders look forward to 2019 when the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Eastside Access project provides a direct connection to Grand Central Station via the 63rd Street tunnel and reaches beneficial use. We can then join our Metro-North comrades in utilizing this great institution to and from work.
Larry Penner
