How do you decode an LIRR train schedule?

Question

It's just so confusing! I can't figure the damned thing out! And what happens when there's a note in the place of where the time should be? Does that mean it doesn't stop there at all? Help!!

Answer 1

Head for the Smithsonian.  They have an operating "Enigma" machine that was used for decoding Kriegsmarine messages extensively in WWII.

Or, wait a few minutes more and someone will be along to help...

Answer 2

yowsy!

I thought the employee timetables were hard to decipher, sounds like passenger ones are just as bad.

Answer 3

I know how you feel. When I took LIRR first time, I was confuse.

Okay, I give you example.

If you're starting from NYC Penn Station going to Babylon, and if you see J at Woodside, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, it is departure of other train that meet this train at (J)amaica Station.

If you're starting from Flatbush, Nostrand Avs, East New York,  J means that train meets the connecting train.

If J wasn't before time, it means trains stop at these stations.

On Montauk Branch

J means same thing while T require transfer @ Babylon RR Station and it work same way as example above.