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METRO NORTH
Last week I left off in Connecticut. From there, I took the Metro North commuter train 42 miles into New York City. I was running late to the station and ended up hopping on the train just seconds before the doors closed. I had no time to buy a ticket from the machine or counter. So I learned the hard way that Metro North has increased their fares for tickets purchased onboard. The last I heard, it was $2 extra per ticket but it cost me $5.25 extra (per person). That hurt because the fare to go from South Norwalk to Grand Central Terminal is $9.25 (off peak) – that's a 56.76% mark-up. Here's a link to Metro North's website so you can check fares and schedules.



NEW YORK CITY TO JFK
I was on the Upper East Side and needed to get to JFK. Choices were: a helicopter for $159, plus tax and it leaves from 34th Street or Wall Street and not frequently. Taxi : $45, plus tolls and tip. Or a car service: I use Dial 7 (212-777-7777) or Carmel (212-666-6666). These car services are $3 more ($48) than a taxi TO JFK but $5 less FROM JFK ($40). Other pluses: you can pay by credit card and the vehicles are more comfortable. TIP: Don't pay for the $5 "luxury" car upgrade that they will offer. I never do and still always get the luxury vehicle -- it's a Town Car.

AIR TRAIN
There were still more economical choices left: The bus for $15 or the subway/train for $7. Since I pack light and didn't want to deal with traffic, I took the latter. It's not for everyone because it requires a bit of walking and it's not that easy to figure out. RANDOM EDITORIAL: How New York City, the best city in the world, still hasn't stepped up to the plate like its European and Asian counterparts and offer a no-hassle, nonstop train service to/from the airport is beyond comprehension. However, they're making baby steps towards improved public transportation when they introduced the AirTrain a few years ago that goes part way to JFK.

UPPER EAST SIDE TO JFK
I took the 6 train ($2) to 51st street. I walked underground two blocks to 53rd street to the E line (it's a free transfer so don't go outside). I've done this countless times but it was my first time since last summer and I was stoked to see that they'd upgraded the old, depressing, screeching E train car with a brand new one. This had the stops posted, it was much quieter, cleaner and seems wider than even the normal subway cars. The E takes about 30 minutes to get across Queens to the plush Jamaica Station. Once there, just follow the signs to the AirTrain ($5) about a 100-yard walk and take the elevator up. The 5- to 20-minute ride connects to all the terminals and the rental car lot. The whole trip from the Upper East Side took me one hour and 15 minutes door to door. BTW: HopStop's directions are perfect.

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