Convention Week in NYC: Traffic Nightmare?

[Luvs_Showtunes]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 12:34am

I'll be heading into NYC during the time of the convention, staying in NJ and traveling into the city for shows and some NYC fun. Should I be worried about traffic, either driving or public transportation. It looks like most of the problem will be in the Penn Station area, and I plan on spending most time in Times Square so maybe this won't be an issue. I hope not anyway.

Also, coming in from New Jersey, will that pose a problem? I've googled and found some government info, but just wondering from those who live there what you think? (Other than I should have chosen a different week. lol)

Thanks for any help you can give me.

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 12:36am

If you're coming in by car, just remember to run over some Republicans on your way.

Updated On: 8/21/04 at 12:36 AM

[timote316]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 12:43am

well said!

[mtdog13]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 12:53am

aaaaaaaaaamen. haha, sorry to the republicans. oh wait. not! heehee.

[SMichaelK]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 12:54am

BW, that's not very nice... why can't I say that with a straight face. But I've checked on it, and the problem is Jersey is to the south where both DC and tradionally Conservative areas are located, but Hopefully there are a lot coming by plane. Good Luck, and from what I've read in articles, give yourself a bit of time.

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 1:05am

And fill up on gas. Those Republicans make tough road bumps, but with strong wheels, you'll hit 'em fine.

Updated On: 8/21/04 at 01:05 AM

[LadyGuenevere]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 1:06am

Yeah. Let's keep showing how good and kind those Dems are!

Keep it up, honey!

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 1:07am

I'm not a Democrat, I'm a Canadian.

Updated On: 8/21/04 at 01:07 AM

[LadyGuenevere]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 1:08am

Okay- Republican haters! (Or in other words, usually Dems.)

I love you guys, remember that when I'm lying on the road...gasping for air...

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 1:09am

We'll slow down for you.

[LadyGuenevere]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 1:11am

Coming from a Canadian, that is an honor.

Thank you, thank you.

[etoile]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 1:14am

I'm mystified. At what point did suggesting crimes of violence become such an acceptable source of humor?

[LadyGuenevere]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 1:15am

Since I get it every day.

What can you do to stop some people? For one person who doesn't use those kind of jokes, two do. I'm tired of trying to argue with it...

[etoile]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 1:24am

I understand, LG. I don't find those type of comments remotely funny. In fact, they are nothing short of offensive and in my ever so humble opinion show a disrespect towards the board and its members.

[timote316]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 1:28am

A little political humor never hurt anyone

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 1:31am

Oh, get off it guys!

"Everybody giggles at some violence, sometimes
Doesn't mean we go around committing such crimes
If we all could just admit
That we like bloodshed, a little bit
Really they'll be no physical attacks
Everyone just thinks them, so relax!"

Updated On: 8/21/04 at 01:31 AM

[etoile]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 1:32am

Where is the humor in promoting an intentional act of violence? Talk of turning any person/any thing into a hood ornament...and that's funny?

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 1:39am

Now why would I hang a dirty thing like a Republican as a hood ornament?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 5:48am

I, for one wouldn't drive a car in Manhattan next week if you paid me. Unless you just love gridlock and sitting in traffic for hours (and security check points and having your car searched), I would park my car somewhere else and use public transportation if I were you. The subway is quicker, cheaper and without a tenth of the hassles.

[kec]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 6:03am

Margo's right. I've seen NYC when a President has been in town (i.e. UNGA), and traffic is just a nightmare. MUCH better to leave the car somewhere and use public transportation.

[BalletGirl85]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 7:32am

Even driving in Manhattan on a regular day is nuts, definitely park in Jersey and grab a bus, it's like $4 or something depending on where you get it from. Or park in Leonia, walk over the GW bridge and get the subway down to midtown. :-p

[KMF_NYC]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 8:12am

also, back to topic (thanks Margo)...try to avoid trains into the city as there are ususally 8 tunnels in and out of Penn stationed -- that will be narrowed to one in and one out -- expect delays and then detours in and out of the station...

the bus might be a better option into port authority, but I would still think it will be tough....

Personally I had hoped to be away that week, but it didn't work out that way

[Fan2]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 8:53am

Here's what I know since I work in midtown and take NJ Transit into Penn Station. Penn Station is only going to have two entrances open - a nightmare since NJ Transit and the Long Island Railroad go into Penn Station. All the NJT trains are going to be checked out by bomb-sniffing dogs before they come into NY. No one is allowed to use the overhead luggage racks. Only one or two bathrooms on the train are going to be open. I also think they may be stopping cars at the bridges and tunnels to check them. The streets around Penn/MSG are going to be closed off to traffic (but not sure how many). Plus there are going to be cops everywhere since we are on elevated alert anyway and they are expecting many protesters besides the delegates and dignitaries. Most people in my office (including me) are taking the week off from work. I'm sure there will be more info coming out this week.

[Fair 2 Middlin]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 9:16am

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
There will be a large police presence through the city - both in uniform and in plain clothes.
It’s better to stay underground than above ground. You will get around easier. Take the subway from Penn Station. Do not try to walk as you will run into spot checks and/or closed streets.

Crowds, all over the City. We are expecting 50,000 visitors for the convention alone
Longer commutes due to spot checks of bags, cars, etc. so leave extra time

Penn Station and Grand Central will be open. Access to Penn Station will be restricted Subways will be operating under normal patterns and schedules

Better cell phone reception due to increased capacity provided during the Convention.

Unexpected street closings around Madison Square Garden and the various hotels from which the delegates will be transported via bus to Madison Square Garden

The Waldorf Astoria is completely booked for the Republican National Committee members so the surrounding area will be pretty busy. Avoid 48th and 49th Streets between Lexington and Madison Avenues if possible.
Lots of spot checks, particularly in the area surrounding Madison Square Garden from 30th to 34th Streets and from 6th through 9th Avenues.Port Authority shouldn't be that bad.
I'm aware that many people are planning to leave town. Boston (the sight of the Democratic National convention) was a ghost town due to those who decided to take the week off rather than stick around to be inconvenienced. It is also during Labor day so that might be a factor as well.
The link provided is the city's updated link for street closings and areas effected during the convention.
http://www.nyc2004.org
Have Fun!

Updated On: 8/21/04 at 09:16 AM

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 8/21/04 at 9:23am

I live in Jersey, too. My husband works in midtown and has arranged to work from home during the convention because it sounds like the commute is going to be a horror. Is it too late to change your plans?