"The Secrets of Grand Central Terminal"

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12900368.post-36418088645941012862008-03-29T20:04:00.000-04:002008-03-29T20:05:47.096-04:00"The Secrets of Grand Central Terminal"There is possibly no more beautiful railroad station in the world than <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">New York City</st1:city></st1:place>’s Grand Central Terminal. As the destination of over 55,000 daily rail commuters from <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Connecticut</st1:place></st1:state>, it’s a place we where spend a fair amount of time. But rather than rush to or from your train, next time you’re in GCT, look around and enjoy some of its hidden secrets.<o:p></o:p> Based on my 40+ years of commuting experience, here are some of the nooks and crannies within the station that I find most fascinating… and useful.<o:p></o:p> Underground Access: Sure, you can enter Grand Central from street level, but in bad weather you can find your way underground from blocks away. The new north-end access entrances at <st1:city st="on">Madison</st1:city> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">47th St.</st1:address></st1:street>, <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Park Ave.</st1:address></st1:street> and <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">48th Street</st1:address></st1:street> and the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Helmsley</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Building</st1:placetype></st1:place> walk-ways are dandy, though not open on weekends. But did you know you can also access from 43rd or <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">45th Street, west</st1:address></st1:street> of Vanderbilt, from inside the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Chrysler</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Building</st1:placetype></st1:place>, the Hyatt on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">42nd Street</st1:address></st1:street> or via the shuttle station, on the south side of <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">42nd Street</st1:address></st1:street>, just west of Park?<o:p></o:p> Fastest Way from/to the Lower Level: If your train dumps you on the lower level, forget about the ramps or stairs for the long climb to street level, especially with luggage. Walk to the forward end of the train and look for the elevator near Track 112. It’ll take you to the upper level or, better yet, to within steps of <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Vanderbilt Avenue</st1:address></st1:street> (see below). Getting to the lower level platforms from street level is just as easy. On the main level look for the elevators and take them down to “P” (Platform) level avoid two flights of stairs.<o:p></o:p> Best View of the Main Concourse: Ever notice the elevated glass walkways at the east and west ends of the station? They’re accessible (though public access is seriously discouraged). Just go to the entrance to Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse on the mezzanine level near <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Vanderbilt Ave.</st1:address></st1:street> and take the elevator up two or three floors. When you get off, go left and through the un-marked door on your left. Walk out and you’ll have a panoramic view of the station from almost roof-level.<o:p></o:p> Washrooms with No Wait: The new washrooms at the west end of the lower level have helped a lot, but still there’s often a line. Take the nearby escalators up one level, turn around, and on your left is the Stationmaster’s Office complete with a waiting room and lav’s. Or, go right and just before the ramp up to <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">42nd St.</st1:address></st1:street> and Vanderbilt, look on your left for the sign for the Oyster Bar. Go down the steps into the bar and you’ll find ornate bathrooms known only to a few.<o:p></o:p> Best Place To Get A Cab: Forget about the long line at the taxi stand on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">42nd St east</st1:address></st1:street> of Vanderbilt. Instead, go out the west end of the Main Concourse, up the stairs and out onto <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Vanderbilt Avenue</st1:address></st1:street>. Cross the street and wait at the corner of 43rd. Taxis flow through here, dropping off passengers every few seconds. If you’re heading west you’ll avoid the traffic on <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">42nd Street</st1:address></st1:street> too.<o:p></o:p> Where to Have A Smoke: Want to enjoy a cigar before your train? Forget about lighting up anywhere inside the station. Instead, visit the old taxi stand on Vanderbilt and you’ll be “outside” but still under shelter. Or go to the Hyatt, up two levels to their taxi stand and you’ll find yourself on the raised <st1:place st="on">Park Avenue</st1:place> as it wraps around GCT.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p>These are a few of my favorite “secrets” of Grand Central. Drop me an e-mail with yours and I’ll include them in a future column.<o:p></o:p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Read more "Talking Transportation" (c) at: http://talkingtransportation.blogspot.com/</div>Jim Cameronhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07619138540116037421noreply@blogger.com