bobbye7

My daughter bought me a ticket to New York for my 70th birthday. I'll be on my own for a Monday and Tuesday while she's at work in White Plains. She lives way uptown, in Morningside Heights. I've never ridden the subway or a bus alone & am really scared to try it. But cabs are so expensive! Any ideas on what I can do in or around her neighborhood? It's going to be cold, I'm sure, so I don't want to walk a lot. I know I probably sound whiny but I just want to be prepared.
bobbye7

MikeT

The subway isn't complicated and neither is the bus. If your are intimidated, then spend the money on a taxi. It isn't that expensive, even from Morningside Heights. It seems like a waste to stay in the house and neighborhood for two days because you are intimidated by things people do every day. Think of it as an adventure. Just pick one thing to do. Or take the taxi to a point where you can take a tour bus.

E_M

You are right in the neighborhood of Columbia University, which surely will have things to do and see. You should check out the University's website and see if you can take a tour, see a play, etc.

If you are tentative about public transit you will have to splurge on a taxi. I recommend you take a cab from your apartment to Central Park West and 86th and either:
* Walk three blocks south to visit the Natural History Museum and Planetarium or
* Walk across 86th street through the park and visit the Metropolitan Museum, Guggenheim, and Neue Gallery.

janie

I think e_m has the right idea. The are around Columbia (which isn't really "WAY uptown" ) has some casual restaurants and shops but not much to do for 2 whole days. Taking a cab for about $10 to an area near a museum you like sounds good, and you'd still be only going through residential areas--nothing too crowded or daunting. I don't think you'd want to walk through the park,though. It might be too much walking in the cold for you, and frankly if you're uncomfortable being on your own and on public transportation, I think you'd be better off being on city streets, not wandering through a huge unfamiliar park.

Please reconsider taking the bus, though. Subways can surely be confusing, but a bus that goes straight up or down an avenue,no turns, stopping every 2 or 3 blocks, can't be that scary, can it? Even if it only gets you part of the way out of your immediate neighborhood, it will give you a better idea of your surroundings and be much much cheaper.

And depending on where you are actually staying,
there may not be a lot of taxis floating around.

If you let us know what kinds of things you like to do and see and give us a better approximation of where you are staying --you don't have to tell us the exact address--just the closest bus/subway station/general street intersection, we could probably give you foolproof bus instructions and idea of how much a taxi might cost!

Aduchamp1

Please advise as to what would calm your fears reagrding the subway and buses.

bobbye7

My daughter's apartment is on W. 117th St. Most of the things I like to do are warm weather activities, like walking in Central Park or crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. Things I've done in the past and enjoy include shopping at relatively inexpensive stores, bookstore browsing, having coffee and people watching,going to unique places like Ellis Island, going on a food tour of the Village. I guess my big fear of subways is that I get so confused about this side/that side of the train, which train, which stop, which exit. You name it. Also, I have trouble swiping the metro card! As for buses, pretty much the same -- I have no idea which one, where to get off, where to get back on! I've always gone everywhere with my daughter in the past.

kenav

Ok bobbye7 - It's time to grow up and cut the umbilical cord to your daughter - she gets around town, why not you? Go for it. Take the bus - hardly a scary experience. Buses makes stops every few blocks so if you get off one stop too close or too far from where you wanted, it's hardly a problem. Just walk a little more! Ask the bus driver. Take a chance. What's the worst thing that could happen if you get off at the "wrong" stop? Really? What could that be? Death? Taxes? World destruction?


(BTW - we all have trouble, at times, with swiping out metro cards. Medium speed swipe is best.)

E_M

Transportation issues aside, I'm still at a loss recommending something for you to do, other than walking around the Columbia U. area. That is, it will be cold no matter where you are, and I cannot think of a way to get around that.

If there is something you think you might like to do, no matter where on the island it is, let us know and we will walk you through the transpo issue.

Also, it may help you if you think to yourself, "No matter where I am, I can just ask the conductor or hail a cab and have them take me home."

The fear is a lot worse than the reality. My mom was totally paranoid about public transportation, and she would ask the conductor EVERY TWO BLOCKS if we were at her destination yet. And then one day I ditched her and got around much, much easier.

Dohlice

Go with your daughter to the train in the morning. Let her help you get to the right one and then take the rest from there. While NYers can be quite rude to each other we're also VERY helpful to people who are lost on the subway. If you get on the wrong one someone will definitely get you back on the right one. When I was young and had just started working in the city the train I was on switched tracks and went someplace completely different than it was supposed to. When I saw we were going over a bridge instead of through a tunnel my face must have completely dropped. The man standing in front of me immediately said "where do you need to go" and helped me make it to work on time. I'm pretty antisocial and I've gotten off the train to walk people to where they had to go. You'll get help!

SueNYC

You are also by St John the Divine which must be visited while you are there.

Start looking at the manhattan bus map and the subway map at www.mta.info

christabir

Dohlice is absolutely right. We're really very nice. I like the buses even though they can get crowded (there are millions of people in NYC, of course they are crowded) they are pretty efficient. Get out there and enjoy our town. Pick a destination and go!! And cabs aren't that expensive when you really need it.

bobbye7

You're right about friendly New Yorkers. I grew up in the South, where we were taught that the city is a scary place and people are very rude! My first trip there scotched that notion. I found it easy to strike up a conversation and even had people stop to give directions when they saw my daughter and me "looking lost."
I guess I thought a cab would be more expensive. I think I'll definitely spend a good part of one day at the Met. I'm also thinking of taking one of the tours given by King of NY.

Aduchamp1

I have posted this before, so many have seen it. And I have incorporated the suggestions of others.

Rules of the Subway

The NYC subway system is an amalgam of lines that were once privately owned and were purchased by the government to unite them. This explains why there is duplication in many areas and no trains in other areas. The line that King Kong destroyed is now underground.

With a few exceptions the subways in Manhattan run north/south. Almost all, except those that go to the Bronx, will eventually make a turn into Brooklyn or Queens. The two Manhattan trains that only run east/west are the shuttle from Times Square to Grand Central and the L train that runs along 14th street.

There are green and red globes at the entrance to many stations. Green supposedly means open all the time and red means sometimes. Sometimes vary form station to station. Some have mechanical card readers without token booths others are just closed. But red is usually open during week day business hours. Got that.

Transfers occur at many stations. Some transfers are across the platform, others on another level, while others are an interminable walk through corridors which vary from extremely crowded to ill light and very lonely. The main transfers are usually madhouses at all times.

The subway runs all day, all night every day including Christmas, Yom Kippur, and Ramadan. If you are lucky there will be more trains during rush hour.

Do not expect to understand any announcement through the PA system. Do not expect an explanation regarding delays. And if they do make an announcement, do not necessarily believe them.

Many newer trains have peppy computer voices announcing the stations. Very un-NY. There are usually correct. On the newer trains there is also an electronic linear map showing the line and stops. That is usually right. There are, however, large lit arrows that show the general direction and they are often pointing in the wrong direction.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++
If you miss your stop, you will not die, even if you wind in Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx. Well maybe the Bronx.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++

Just get off at the next stop but there is the rub. Not every stop has a corridor which connects trains in both directions so you may have to exit, go upstairs, cross the street, descend again and pay another fare. Although there are major exceptions, this is often true on the local lines where are there are few transfers.

There are basically two types of trains, expresses and locals. Expresses stop at designated stops while locals stop at every station. There are times when the local is actually faster. When there is a problem, locals can run on the express tracks and vice versa. Sometimes during extenuating circumstances stations will be skipped. If you are lucky an announcement will be made. (See above rule regarding PA announcements.) And during those times you might be standing on a platform watching a train pass you by. If a train blows its whistle as it enters the station, it often means it ain’t stopping.

Many students take the subway to school. Many travel as hordes when school lets out. 99.9% of the kids are just being kids. Do not be afraid. As I get older, I realize how frightening we were as kids to adults.

A serious note: Unfortunately, the subway system is not designed for the disabled. All stations have stairs and the few that have escalators or elevators are unreliable.


MetroCards
Never ask how to use the machines that dispense MetroCards beforehand. Always stand in front of the machine as long as possible so a line can grow behind you. Hint to tourists: If the person has not moved their hands in fifteen minutes, get on another line.

Always crowd the person in front of you at the turnstile. Not every turnstile works and pirouettes can occur.

The MetroCard turnstile swipe is an art form. Sometimes the first swipe will not work. (Although them seem to be working better later.) And do not be surprised that after multiple swipes, if you are charged for two trips.

You can get a MetroCard at almost all subway entrances, especially at the larger stations. Some entrances just have turnstiles. You cannot get one on a bus, even though you need one or exact fare. Currently the fare is $2.25, no matter the distance and you can transfer to one bus up to two hours from entering the subway.

There are also all sorts of variations on MetroCards.
1 Day Fun pass
7 Day unlimited pass
14 Day unlimited pass
30 Day unlimited pass

Of course, all Metrocards have restrictions since they issued by a bureaucracy.

Getting Directions
New Yorkers who barely know their name know the subway lines in Manhattan but few know the subway in the boroughs, other than the one where they live. Always ask for directions, NY’ers are always proud to display their subway knowledge. Conversely, NY’ers only know the bus lines they use and have no clue where the other buses go.

The MTA is installing directional plaques in the ground just outside of some stations.

Above each platform are signs that identify the trains which will stop at the station and the general direction. Do not be alarmed that the signs say, Brooklyn Queens, or the Bronx, it is the general direction. Downtown means south and uptown means, well you get the drift.

There are no subway maps above ground. So you will have to descend to into a station to read one.

Riding the Rails

Entering the train can be a bit of free for all. The victory goes to the swift. If you dawdle people will push in front and not many will say things like “Excuse me Sir/Madam, but may I get ahead of you.” At rush hours, people will push from behind and you can be carried with the tide. If you have children, hold their hands and make plans if you get split up. I do this with adults, who so not know the train if someone should miss their stop. (Not hold their hand but make alternate plans.)

Do not stare at people. This is not a joke. It can be interpreted as impolite or worse.

Do not emulate NY’ers who:
1. Lean on the pole so no one else can hold on. It has been known to hold the pole in a certain way so that the knuckles of one’s hand in the back of the slob.
2. Transport their refrigerator during rush hours. People carry all sorts of objects all the time.
3. Read the New York Times spread open, with their splayed open taking up two seats. (This is a male specialty.)
4. Stand with your bike and take up the room of six people. I will never understand, if you have a bike, why you are taking the train. I would, however, like to borrow their helmet sometimes.
5. Don’t shower and wear muscle shirts.
6. The subway is not your living room, move your butt to the wall if you want to speak on the phone.


You can do just about anything in NYC but do not block a subway car door. When the train stops, the doors open, and you are blocking them there are many choices: make yourself small, get off the train so there is room and then get back on, move to the center, or be prepared to be bounced and cursed. It is prime spot to stand, own it with pride.

Do not say to your fellow passenger, this is like being in a sardine can. We have probably heard that before.

There will be people selling candy, others God. It is your choice to engage them in conversation.

Getting off

It as important to know the stop before as it is to know the stop you need. The stop before warn all your friends and relatives. Know which side the doors will open. Most doors on an express open on the right. On the local trains, the doors usually open on the right on local stops and on the left on express stops. This is a rule of thumb.

Another rule of thumb regards, people not moving out of the way. Say, “excuse me,” loudly. If they do not move after the second “Excuse me” you have my permission to push your way through the crowd.

E_M

^^ Once, I was riding the DC metro during the Cherry Blossom festival. That was the month I was on crutches with my foot in a cast. Anyway, my stop came up, and politely said, "Excuse me. Excuse ME. EXCUSE ME!!!!!" No one moved. Or even looked up. Because of the festival, the car was packed with tourists. Finally, I shouted, "Get the f*ck outta my way!" and began prodding people with my crutch.

I guess you can take the girl out of New Jersey but not New Jersey out of the girl.

nytraveler

I can understand that you might be intimidated by the subway - but anyone can ride the bus. Just make sure you have exact change - no pennies and get on. You can easily see out the window to see what street you're at so you know where to get off. And that far uptown yo are very likely to get a seat - esp if you dont ride at rush hour.

You daughter can tell you which bus to use to head downtown. At least check out the Museum of Natural History (CPW and 80 St), the New York Historical Society (CPW and 78) and then hop on the 79th St crosstown bus and visit the Met (Fifth Ave and 79 St).

There are plenty of casuale place to eat in the former area - and you can easily spend 2 days this way. Look at the museum web sites in advance to determine what sections you want to see - and do check out the free tours that each museum offers.

kenav

Agree generally with Audchamp - some very very funny stuff. Of course I resent the implication of "New Yorkers who barely know their name know the subway lines in Manhattan but few know the subway in the boroughs, other than the one where they live." What implication? The one that calls any borough besides Manhattan "a borough". What is Manhattan? A country? A palace?

Really, don't worry too much. The things that get me and may get you about the subway are: On weekends all hell breaks loose as far as changes to routes. Pay attention to signs on the platform. Ask the token clerk (do we still call them that?) how to get where you want if you're unsure.

People stand in the doorways, and it gets me annoyed. Move over sir!!

People may not move over because they're 21 years old and are listening to music on their iPods and are oblivious.

Pay attention to Audhcamp's warning about "do not expect to understand them" as far as announcements made while on the subway. This may be either because the audio system in the subways is underpar and the acoustics are terrible for speech sounds; and/or the person making the announcement has a heavy foreign accent. You'll notice everyone on the train looking at each other and murmuring "What did he say?".

Have fun!

Oh and BTW - When going up the escalator, there are usually two "lanes". The one of the left hand side is "express" meaning that everyone will be walking up at the same time that they're riding up. The one on the right is for slackers (like me sometimes) who just allow the escalator do its job of riding you to the top.

lcuy

One thing not mentioned is that you are not going to be way out in the boonies! W 117th is a very busy residential neighborhood. Along with Columbia, there are lots of nice places to eat and shop, or to just sit and people watch. Head West from Broadway and there is the lovely Riverside park for strolling.

There is a great bus that goes straight down (or up) Broadway. You will mostly be heading "downtown" when leaving the apt, and "uptown" when coming home. Hard to get lost as all the streets are consecutively numbered. If you have a daily metro card, you can jump off and on without fear or financial penalty!

There is a subway entrance right on Broadway across from the main gate to Columbia. Take any subway downtown. Some are expresses, some are not. Unless you are in a hurry, the only problem might be that your train won't stop at some of the smaller stations. The subway stops are about 6 or 7 streets apart and your home station is 116th or Columbia University. Get a map any bookstore (or from Amazon.com now) and study the subway.

Good stations for you to explore during the day might include W. 79th- From there you'll have Central park access, great restaurants all along Columbus, Amsterdam, and Broadway, the Museum of Natural History. If you stay longer on the bus or subway, you'll come to Times Square and and you can explore that area. To get back home just walk up to Broadway and 51st and take an uptown to Columbia.

It really is quite simple, I highly reccommend a decent subway & bus map along with a daily metro card vs pay per ride. You may or may not get your money's worth but it will save you from dealing with the machines every times, figuring out the fares and transfers, or worry over getting off at the wrong spot and having to pay twice.

lcuy

I called it a "daily " metro card in the above post. What I actually meant was a "multi-day" metro card.

Gwendolynn

I'm an old geezer who's lived in NYC since I was 22. I've pretty much given up subways in favor of buses. If you're not in a rush they are so much more pleasant. Get a Metro card so you don't have to worry about change. (Your daughter should be able to help there.) There used to be a wonderful bus... the M5 or M6 ??? (help me West Siders.) that goes down Broadway to 57th St. and then down 5th Avenue. It comes back uptown on 6th Avenue (tho there are some that stop at 59th Street.) If I were you I'd investigate St John the Divine if you've not been there. It's within walking distance. Or, take a bus down Broadway and then take a crosstown. The 86th or the 79th will get you in striking distance of the Met and the Neue Gallery on 86th and 5th. 72nd St crosstown (which has a convoluted run) will get you near the Frick Museum at 70th and 5th. Don't be afraid to ask for directions. We New Yorkers don't bite. -

Gwendolynn

PS I think some museums are closed on Monday???? Double check. that would be a good day to "do" St John the Divine.