Scotch Plains-Fanwood Commuter Chronicles

In 2009, the Fanwood Train Station celebrated its 135th year in the community. As the oldest station in Union County, it has seen a lot of travelers come through during its time. In honor of this, Scotch Plains-Fanwood Patch has decided to highlight the station and its service by occasionally interviewing commuters about themselves and their train usage. 

John Ponterio, 43

Waiting for the 8:14 AM train to Newark/New York

Where are you from?

Scotch Plains

How long have you lived in Scotch Plains?

About 12 years.

Where are you going today?

Manhattan for work.

What do you do?

I'm an attorney.

How long have you been taking the train to work?

About 12 years.

All for the same job?

Well, different jobs as an attorney. I have had different employers throughout, but all in Manhattan.

Why do you take the train?

I take the train because going to Penn Station is closer to where I work rather than taking the bus, which goes to Port Authority, which is further away.

Have you had any interesting experiences while taking the train?

Just recently, actually, I went in on a Saturday to go to work. I was meeting a client and as I was waiting for the train to go into Manhattan, it was around Christmas, and there were three young ladies that were going in. I guess they were going to do some charity work and they were dressed up as Santa Claus, a Christmas tree, and a present.

Do you have a favorite part about taking the train?

I guess just it's kind of relaxing to read the paper while going in.

Is there anything you would change?

I don't know if you have enough tape for that. Well, especially for the Raritan Valley line I would love to have the tunnel finished so there will be a one seat trip into Manhattan. Having to change platforms at Newark is just horrendous. And the timing, trying to catch connections coming home too is big. They could do a lot better job.