NJ Transit also plans to add double-decker cars to carry more passengers, among other measures. Soucy has developed her own stopgap measures, such as occasionally sitting on the floor in the handicapped section on the ride home. Other people stand in the vestibule between cars. And then there s the stress. Soucy has seen seated passengers ignore pregnant women standing right next to them who are supposed to be allowed to sit.
Many people are stone-faced and quiet, with bags under their downturned eyes.
It s awful. A lot of people, it s like a part of them is numb. You become very selfish. A space is like prime real estate on a train. Between the drive, the train ride and a walk of several blocks from the train station, commuting is like working half a day before she gets to her desk.