Two hour commutes (each way) was the norm.
I then moved to a job in NYC and I figured I was in for even a worse time but I was pleasantly surprised. Traffic in and around NYC moves pretty well - at least compared to Boston.
That said, the commuter trains ARE a dream. I take the Metro North out of Connecticut and into Grand Central and it's a very nice ride. Plus you can grab a beer for the way home - if you are so inclined. Still a two-hour commute but more pleasurable with my iPad, my Kindle and my evening beer.
I think Metro North on its own could be a profitable private railroad - the population density & demand is there.
But Metro North is part of the whole MTA structure, with states and NYC governments kicking in subsidies for it.
The financial facts for each entity controlled by the MTA are all lumped together in the MTA’s financial reports. That consolidation HIDES exactly how well or how poorly fare revenues are or are not meeting the needs of
each MTA unit.
Those units are:
Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority
MTA New York City Transit
MTA Staten Island Railway
MTA Long Island Rail Road
MTA Metro-North Railroad
MTA Bridges and Tunnels
MTA Capital Construction
MTA Bus Compmay
I believe most of the subsidies are being used to subsidize operating losses of the NYC bus and subway system.