Need to get around the city? The subway is the best way. Here's everything you need to know to conquer New York's subway system.
First things first, you need a subway card. I suggest an unlimited (weekly or monthly) because you can ride the subways and buses for as many times as you want. *TIP: Not all subway stations will have a machine to buy a card, aim for major stops/stations that will definitely have one.
Figuring out which subways to take may seem tricky, but google maps or HopStop are the best apps on your phone to figure it out. There are north/south trains (1,2,3 on west side and 4,5,6 on east side) and many more trains once you are below central park. The main thing to know is whether you are wanting to go uptown or downtown. *TIP: Always check google maps/hopstop before you go into a subway station; you won't have service underground to look up directions!
Once you have everything figured out, follow these Subway Etiquette Rules to avoid death glares and getting trampled:
1. When on the platform, look for the key spot to stand that will land you right in front of the subway car doors so you can be first to go in. If you're a newbie, this will be hard for you to estimate, so don't worry. But if you're at the platform and there's already about 3892 people standing there, do not push in front of them to be first, wait your turn like everyone else.
2. When the train comes, you have to wait for the people on the train to get off before you get on. Do not try to push though or sneak by, you will most likely be hit in the face with someone's bag while they're trying to get off. Just think of how pissed you would be if you missed your stop because people wouldn't move.
3. When you go into the subway car, go as far in as you can. There's nothing I hate more than someone that walks in and just stands in the doorway while 50 other people are trying to fit. You could be the determinate of whether or not someone is late or on time for their job.
4. If there is an open seat and you don't want it, MOVE. Do not block the open seat for everyone else just because you want to stand. Some of us have had a hard day and would like to take a break for 10 minutes.
5. Be considerate of other people's space. Do not lean on the pole so no one else can hold on unless you want others to fall on top of you. Do not push others if you see there is literally no space to move. And for god's sake do not inappropriately touch someone. I have gotten too many quick butt grabs for my liking--the next one is going to regret it.
6. Men, ages 14-55: You basically don't get a seat unless there are like 5 people in the entire car. It's a rough life, but women (especially pregnant ones), elderly, and kids come before you. Sucks to suck.
Now, just a couple quick tips:
- If you see some unidentifiable substance on the train, it's going to be pee. Or another unmentionable body substance. Stay away from that area at all costs.
- If you don't want to donate money to homeless people on the train, do not make eye contact, or really look that way at all. Keep headphones in your ears no matter what, and if you hear a loud voice, don't look.
-If you're just riding the subway for leisure, avoid rush hour times in the morning and at night. Weekends you're pretty much screwed, but non-rush hour times during the week are prime subway times to ride in peace.
I hope this clears up any questions regarding the subways, and that your perfect subway etiquette will inspire the other morons (I'm talking to you, 6 train) to clean up their act. Until then, follow my other motto: Push or be pushed.
xoxo,
Ms. Manhattan
First things first, you need a subway card. I suggest an unlimited (weekly or monthly) because you can ride the subways and buses for as many times as you want. *TIP: Not all subway stations will have a machine to buy a card, aim for major stops/stations that will definitely have one.
Figuring out which subways to take may seem tricky, but google maps or HopStop are the best apps on your phone to figure it out. There are north/south trains (1,2,3 on west side and 4,5,6 on east side) and many more trains once you are below central park. The main thing to know is whether you are wanting to go uptown or downtown. *TIP: Always check google maps/hopstop before you go into a subway station; you won't have service underground to look up directions!
Once you have everything figured out, follow these Subway Etiquette Rules to avoid death glares and getting trampled:
1. When on the platform, look for the key spot to stand that will land you right in front of the subway car doors so you can be first to go in. If you're a newbie, this will be hard for you to estimate, so don't worry. But if you're at the platform and there's already about 3892 people standing there, do not push in front of them to be first, wait your turn like everyone else.
2. When the train comes, you have to wait for the people on the train to get off before you get on. Do not try to push though or sneak by, you will most likely be hit in the face with someone's bag while they're trying to get off. Just think of how pissed you would be if you missed your stop because people wouldn't move.
3. When you go into the subway car, go as far in as you can. There's nothing I hate more than someone that walks in and just stands in the doorway while 50 other people are trying to fit. You could be the determinate of whether or not someone is late or on time for their job.
4. If there is an open seat and you don't want it, MOVE. Do not block the open seat for everyone else just because you want to stand. Some of us have had a hard day and would like to take a break for 10 minutes.
5. Be considerate of other people's space. Do not lean on the pole so no one else can hold on unless you want others to fall on top of you. Do not push others if you see there is literally no space to move. And for god's sake do not inappropriately touch someone. I have gotten too many quick butt grabs for my liking--the next one is going to regret it.
6. Men, ages 14-55: You basically don't get a seat unless there are like 5 people in the entire car. It's a rough life, but women (especially pregnant ones), elderly, and kids come before you. Sucks to suck.
Now, just a couple quick tips:
- If you see some unidentifiable substance on the train, it's going to be pee. Or another unmentionable body substance. Stay away from that area at all costs.
- If you don't want to donate money to homeless people on the train, do not make eye contact, or really look that way at all. Keep headphones in your ears no matter what, and if you hear a loud voice, don't look.
-If you're just riding the subway for leisure, avoid rush hour times in the morning and at night. Weekends you're pretty much screwed, but non-rush hour times during the week are prime subway times to ride in peace.
I hope this clears up any questions regarding the subways, and that your perfect subway etiquette will inspire the other morons (I'm talking to you, 6 train) to clean up their act. Until then, follow my other motto: Push or be pushed.
xoxo,
Ms. Manhattan