Joshua Crandall, a 59-year-old Montclair resident and longtime NJ Transit commuter, developed an algorithm to predict which track trains at Penn Station will depart from before any announcements are made. Crandall was tired of the chaos and unpredictability of the rush to the platform and wanted to help his fellow commuters navigate the transit hub more efficiently. Through his Clever Commute app, Crandall provides valuable information on track departures based on historical data, ultimately helping users beat the crowd.
Clever Commute works by pulling information from two months of track history and using a proprietary technology to assign probabilities to certain tracks where trains are likely to depart from. The app not only offers average wait times based on past data but also ranks possible track numbers in order of likelihood. By using Clever Commute, commuters can make informed decisions about which staircase to use and avoid getting caught up in the last-minute stampede to the platform.
While Clever Commute is a useful tool for navigating Penn Station, Crandall advises users not to rely on it entirely and emphasizes that standing at the top of the staircase at the right time is key to catching the train. The app can’t be right 100% of the time, but even if it’s slightly off, users are still in a better position than those who rush to the wrong platform. The app also works with Metro-North and the LIRR at Grand Central Terminal, although these terminals rarely face the same last-minute boarding announcements as Penn Station.
The close call times at Penn Station are attributed to Amtrak’s ownership of the tracks and its authority to make decisions about train departure times. To help confused commuters navigate the transit hub more effectively, Crandall offers personalized assistance and accurate track predictions to those in need. Users of Clever Commute have expressed gratitude for the app’s ability to help them beat the rush and avoid the chaotic scene that often unfolds at Penn Station.
In addition to providing track predictions, Clever Commute offers tips for improving the commuter experience at Penn Station, such as arriving just in time rather than early, using less-trafficked pathways, and choosing the front of the train for more open seats. Other tips include wearing layers, bringing water, and using noise-reducing headphones to enhance the commute. By following these guidelines and utilizing Clever Commute, commuters can navigate Penn Station more efficiently and reduce the stress associated with commuting in a busy urban environment.
