Commuters to Long Island Rail Road: Trains are dirty

[PJMcK]

2. An interesting observation

I live in New York City and have often taken the trains to Long Island and Connecticut. These are my anecdotal observations.

The Metro North trains that run from Grand Central Station to upstate New York and Connecticut are almost always on time. They are mostly clean with functioning rest rooms. The conductors and other employees are professional, dressed in their uniforms and behave in a friendly manner. You don't see garbage onboard the trains.

In contrast, the LIRR is a mess. The trains are frequently late. They are filthy with garbage in nearly every seating area. The seats themselves are dirty and many are damaged. Many of the train workers are surly and wear their uniforms sloppily. The NYC subways are often cleaner than the LIRR.

Since both train lines are managed by the Metropolitan Transit Authority, what could account for the differences?