A transit train from Boston to New York and a passenger train from New York to Boston departed at the same time, at 3:00 PM. The distance between New York station and Boston station is 280 miles. The speed of the transit train was 80 miles per hour. The speed of the passenger train was 60 miles per hour.
Chapter Reference

At what time will the trains pass each other?

4.37pm

Step-by-step explanation:

It takes 1hr 37 mins to pass each other and 30 seconds.

This is a ratio of (1: 0.75 )  = 16:20

= 2hr journey x 1/2 =2:1.50 (4:3)  

= 3hr journey x 1/3 = 3 : 2.25 = 75% of one hr = 45mins+  1hr -7.55

= 1.37.5mins later

3pm + 1hr 37.5 = 4.37.pm   .5 = 30 seconds.

We can double check if 280m each side = is ratio 3/4 closer

this is 160:120 = 18/13.5 or 13.5 : 18 = 4 hr = 280 miles in one direction 18-3.5 = 14.5 = 14.5 - half again = 14.5 - 7.25 = 7.25

Ratio of 18:13.5 of 4.5 = 22.5mins subtract 2hrs. =  137.5

=1.37hr 30sec.

(14/17 of 280=235 we half this 1hr.35

Difference = 1hr 35 or 1 hr 37.5

The first two answer are more reliable.