Five Tips on Surviving the NYC Subway
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“Stand clear of the closing doors please.” If you live in or have visited New York City, then you definitely read that in that oddly enthusiastic robot voice. You’d also know the feeling of panic when you have to run to catch your train — followed by the feeling of relief when you catch it, or the frustration and anger when you don’t.
It’s easy to curse the subway system when you’re stuck on a train stopped between stations (thank God for air conditioning), but without a car, you’d be lost without it. Love it or hate it, the New York City Subway is the most convenient way for New Yorkers to get around the city. It has its benefits. First, you don’t have to worry about car insurance, gas, or car maintenance. Second, driving in the city is a nightmare, and finding parking spaces is next to impossible. It’s nice to have public transportation that’s reliable… when there aren’t any delays or construction, that is. There are also the negatives, like said delays and construction. Not to mention the overcrowded train cars at rush hour and the “it’s showtime!” guys who do tricks on the poles and nearly kick you in the head.
To visitors or people that just moved to the city, the subway can be overwhelming and even a bit scary. I know it was for me. In my three years of living here, I’ve picked up some valuable knowledge on making the train experience as painless as possible. Here are five tips to survive the New York City subway (and maybe even enjoy it a little).
1. Be Safe
This should go without saying, but you’d be surprised how many people I’ve seen put themselves in danger on the train or in the station. It always makes me nervous when I see people standing too close to the platform edge in the stations. If you stand too close to the tracks, it’s way too easy to slip, trip, or bump into a person and fall onto the tracks. And never, EVER walk between train cars. Especially while the train is moving, it’s very easy to lose your balance, so you’re safest staying in your seat or holding on to the subway pole. Another important thing is to watch your belongings and stay alert. I’ve seen several people (mostly tourists) leave their belongings on the seat next to them, easy for anyone to take (it’s also incredibly rude to take up two seats on a train if it’s full). I’m not saying you shouldn’t scroll through your phone while riding the train (it’s where I play Candy Crush), just keep your belongings close to you and keep an eye on them.
2. Download an app
If you’re not used to it, the NYC subway map can seem confusing and impossible to read. To make things easier, I suggest you use an app to help you. I use the apps NYC Subway and MYmta, but there are more out there to try. These apps can plan a route for you, telling you which trains or buses to take. They can also alert you of any delays or service changes so you don’t end up waiting for a train that will never come (I’ve been there… multiple times). Also, don’t be afraid to ask a local for help. We’re not as unfriendly as we seem and are oftentimes willing to help lost visitors or new New Yorkers.
3. Keep yourself clean
The trains aren’t known for their cleanliness. There are on average 5.7 million subway riders daily. That’s a lot of hands touching subway poles. Don’t eat on the subway (also, smells carry in the tiny train car, and no one wants to smell your deli sandwich) and make sure you wash your hands after getting off the train. If you aren’t able to wash your hands right away, I suggest you carry some hand sanitizer in your bag or pocket.
4. Learn the etiquette
New Yorkers are busy people, and we don’t have time for tourists taking up space on a platform or blocking open doors. Over the decades, New Yorkers have perfected a subway etiquette that helps things run smoothly and efficiently. Don’t take up space in the middle of the train platform so people can get through, let people get off the train before you try to get on, and stay away from the doors when possible (we’ve all had those moments during rush hour when we’re smushed against the doors). And as hard as it may be, try to keep up with the fast pace. It’ll make things so much easier and the New Yorkers won’t be mad at you.
5. People of the Subway
You ever see those “People of Wal-Mart” pictures? Well, we have “Subway Creatures”. There’s an Instagram account I follow that documents some oddities of the New York City Subway. If you encounter one of said “Creatures”, you may be wondering why everyone around you doesn’t seem to notice the drunk lady playing the recorder badly. They most likely do notice, and are probably tweeting about it. It’s just that New Yorkers have seen so many strange things, especially in the subway, it just doesn’t faze them anymore. Take their lead. Notice the “Subway Creature”, text your friend about it if you like, and move on. It won’t be the last one you see. If they make you feel uncomfortable, you can always switch train cars at the next stop. But most of these people are generally harmless, just eccentric folks living their best lives.
I know all this information may seem daunting, but I guarantee, you’ll get used to the subway system in no time. So with your newfound knowledge, go out and explore the city. Enjoy the history that New York has to offer, including the subway (which has been getting people around New York City since 1904). All in all, New York City is a better and more efficient place with the subways. Remember that when you’re stuck between stations in 80-degree weather.
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