A Short Hike Along the Tracks
Along with many of my fellow Bronx Science students, as a New Yorker, I find myself longing for the chance to ride public transportation again. Because of the coronavirus outbreak across the U.S. and especially in New York State, I find that one of my favorite pastimes of riding the train is no longer possible because of social distancing and people’s concern over being in shared public spaces.
However, in the quiet town of Wassaic in upstate New York, I can still enjoy the ‘scenery’ of the train terminal (at a distance, of course). The town features a walking trail along both former and current train tracks operated as part of the MTA’s Metro North system.
My first train encounter on the walking path, with a train rolling into station in the distance.
But before I get ahead of myself, let’s take a look at the train yard where employees were performing maintenance on the cars and engines before they could re-enter service.
Now for a closer look at engine number 115.
And of course, thank you to all of the essential transportation workers that keep the network operational for those who need it, and for letting me take pictures of the train from the platform.
A plaque inscribed with the history of the station: a treat awaiting anyone who makes it to the end of the path.
Thank you to the MTA and to all of the essential workers keeping society afloat during these difficult times!
And of course I have since returned to my favorite walking trail to see the variety in engine designs that the Metro North has to offer.
Isaac Rjavinski is the Director of Internet Technology for ‘The Observatory’ and ‘The Science Survey.’ Isaac taught himself programming in the...