Hidden Secrets of New York

New York City is the heart of America's train system, with nearly a million rail commuters adding to its population every day. The extensive network of train lines running through Manhattan has made this possible for over a century. The city's busiest rail hubs are Grand Central Terminal and Pennsylvania Station. Penn Station, once marked by a majestic pillared exterior reminiscent of ancient Rome, was reduced to a cramped underground maze. The demolition of Penn Station changed the city's perception of its historical landmarks and the people who would fight for them.

Grand Central is the world's largest, but its reputation is riddled with scandals from design blunders and demolitions. Over 700 trains enter and exit the terminal every day, bringing 250,000 people and inevitable challenges. The city maintains its hundreds of millions of annual rail commuters on track.

There are four major rail systems traveling in and out of New York City: New Jersey Transit Amtrak, the Long Island Railroad, and Metro North Railroad. Grand Central is run by the Metro North Railroad, a commuter rail service under the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The system operates like clockwork, with Metro North's on-time arrival track record of 98 system-wide.

The city's economy would grind to a halt without rail travel. Grand Central's architects designed the station with the future in mind, creating a building that could withstand more traffic than it needed. They learned this lesson from its predecessor, Grand Central Depot, which was built in 1871 when commuter traffic was growing exponentially. The depot was demolished in 1899, and the space was transformed into the terminal today.

The new and improved Grand Central embraced modernity, but it faced challenges due to smoke from a steam train in a park, an avenue tunnel obstructing driver's vision, and a fatal crash. Engineer William Wilgus designed the new terminal to be the first large-scale railroad project to switch from steam power to electricity, electrifying miles of track across New York to prepare for its opening.

The Grand Central Terminal faced numerous proposals for modification and demolition, including converting the main concourse into a three-story bowling alley. The terminal's neighbor, Penn Station, faced similar threats and was eventually demolished in 1963. The newly founded landmarks preservation commission awarded Grand Central landmark status in 1975. However, the fight to preserve the historic building continued in 1975, with commercial development threatening its status.

The famous ceiling, a 250,000 square foot space, was one of the largest mistakes in New York City. Originally planned as a skylight, the architects decided to use a beautiful mural of the night sky. The artist chose a 1603 sketching of the night sky from Uranometria, depicting the Mediterranean sky in October. The ceiling was painted backward, with a dark black rectangle above it.

The ceiling used to look thick with soot, cigarette smoke, and car emissions coming in through the windows. During the restoration process, a small patch was left as a reminder of the room's appearance. The vaulted arches were designed by Catalan architect Rafael Guastavino, who created vaulted arches to allow for full-blown conversations facing a wall directly across from someone else.

However, the terminal managed to handle the mass of traffic, which was coming and going 21 hours a day. The terminal's vast system was hidden behind closed doors, keeping the vast system running like clockwork on the upper floors away from the constant hum of the city.

The public opening of the new LIRR terminal in December 2022 will provide LIRR passengers with a change of service and scenery. The bustling atmosphere is one of the best aspects of the region, with its extensive and lively railway network surrounding New York City. The Grand Central Terminal, the crown jewel of rail travel, will be located at the center of the network. The bustling atmosphere and extensive railway network make it a must-see destination for passengers seeking a new and improved experience.