What transportation system primarily connects NYC to its suburbs?

The Metro-North Railroad serves as the primary transportation system connecting New York City to its northern suburbs, specifically areas in Westchester County, Connecticut, and parts of Putnam County. It is designed to facilitate commuter travel, providing frequent and reliable services from various points in the suburbs to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. The railroad offers a critical link for those commuting for work or leisure, playing a vital role in the larger metropolitan transit framework.

Both Amtrak and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) are important, but they serve different purposes and areas. Amtrak provides intercity travel across the United States, including some routes that serve New York, but it does not primarily focus on suburban connections to the city. Similarly, while the Long Island Rail Road connects New York City to Long Island, it is not tailored to the northern suburbs which the Metro-North serves specifically. The PATH system connects parts of New Jersey to lower Manhattan but does not focus on the broader suburban regions around New York City. Therefore, the Metro-North Railroad is indeed the most relevant option for connecting NYC to its northern suburbs.