Location is somewhere between the 79th street station and the 72nd street station on a 1/9 train going downtown. The train is packed. I have a seat. A woman next to me, she is probably in her 50’s is holding an unidentifiable newspaper, she looks educated, slightly confused.
Woman: “Where I can best transfer to the F?”
Witold:”I think there is a transfer point on on 14th street. (Map.)”
Woman:”I can’t transfer earlier?”
Witold:”Well, the trains are about a block apart, and even on 14th street you will have to walk for about a block, just underground. This would be your earliest free transfer point.”
Woman:”How about 34th Street?”
Witold:”I don’t think you can transfer there, the two lines stay about a block apart at all times.”
Woman:”How about 42nd Street?”
Witold:”The F is a block away from the 1/9 and 2/3. At 42nd Street, the F stops at Bryant Park, while the 2/3 goes to Times Square.”
Woman:”And I can’t transfer there?”
Witold:”Well, you will have to leave the station, walk for a block and then reenter the station and pay another fare.”
Woman:”This does not matter to me, I have a monthly Metro Card, you know one of those that are good for a month.”
Witold:”Oh, good for you.”
Woman:”Besides, I really hate to walk underground.”
Witold:”Okay, I understand.”
Woman, looking out the window on 72nd street.:”I’ll get out here, so I can take it express.”
Witold:”Have a nice day… just get out on 42nd street and walk eastwards…”
Woman:”I know.”
Witold:”…”
Please stand clear the closing doors…