October 17, 2005

NewYorkology Basics: Riding the subway

(Updated March 2007)

New York City’s 102-year-old subway system carries 4.9 million on an average weekday on its 26 lines. It operates 24 hours a day, though service is less frequent at night, on weekends and some holidays.

The subways are safe and remain the most efficient way to get around. The most important thing to know about taking the subway in Manhattan is whether your destination is uptown, (north,) or downtown, (south,) from your starting point. Some lines run local and others run express (skipping some stations, and thus covering more ground quickly.) If you don't know how to get where you're going, ask someone who's waiting for the train you think you're supposed to take. (Don't depend on the MTA workers in the token booth as they're often gone and they’re often wrong.)

The subway fare is $2 no matter how far you want to go. You can transfer as many times as you like, as long as you don't exit through a turnstile. You'll need a MetroCard (also good for city buses,) which you can purchase in the subways. You can pay per ride or buy daily, weekly or monthly transit passes. If you're only taking the subway a few times, you may only want to put just a few dollars on a MetroCard. But if you make three or more trips in a day, you’ll want some type of unlimited card. (You can't share an unlimited card because once it's swiped, it's inactive for the next 18 minutes.)

Here is a link to the MTA's system maps. Make sure you have a current map when you’re here, and be wary of the frequent construction disruptions especially on weekends. (You can also sign up for free weekend service advisories via e-mail from the MTA or the subway-watchdog group, the Straphangers.) Free subway maps are available for the taking at some stations, but all have current maps posted near the token booths and sometimes on the platforms.

Subway etiquette: When a train you want pulls into the station and stops, you want to stand not directly in front of the doors that are about to open, but immediately to the side. "Let 'em off first," is the rule that sadly not everyone observes. As soon as they're off, you board – and don't block the door if more people are trying to get on behind you. Try not to be so obvious when you stare at the locals, and possibly refrain from speaking at that gee-whiz Disneyland volume.

When you are standing on the train but it hasn't moved yet, be sure you are holding on and/or have your feet planted securely since the train usually makes a jerk when it starts up. Same thing when the train stops at each station. When you get near your stop and the train is packed, you can let the passengers around you know you're about to dash through by collecting your belongings and/or standing up. If the doors open and you’re having a hard time exiting, say something like "getting off" and you should do fine.

For more information, see the MTA's tourist guide and The Morning News for an unofficial rulebook on NYC etiquette in the subway and elsewhere.

Elsewhere on NewYorkology:
Tiny, subtle subway maps for your pocket or wallet
MTA makes it illegal to walk between subway cars
NYPD begins random bag checks on subways
NYPD: no need for subway camera ban
The fine art of subway card swiping

October 17, 2005 04:40 PM in Basic NYC Guide

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