If time does not apply at the switch or station, where does time apply?

The best answer is that time applies at the Timetable. In the context of LIRR operations, the Timetable is a crucial reference for train schedules, prescribed times for arrivals and departures, and operational guidelines throughout the rail network. This rule indicates that if the switch or station does not have a specific time requirement, the indicated times listed in the Timetable are the default standards that must be followed for maintaining orderly service and coordination between trains.

The Timetable serves as the foundational document for coordinating train movements, ensuring that all trains adhere to the published schedule. It is the primary source of operational authority concerning time, and conductors and engineers reference it to maintain proper scheduling and to ensure adherence to train service regulations.

While other options may seem plausible in certain contexts, they do not carry the same authority or relevance regarding time applications as the Timetable does within the operating rules of the LIRR. Therefore, the Timetable stands out as the correct choice for where time applies when it does not apply at specific switches or stations.