How safe are the NY subways?
 

One of the books I'm reading has almost frightened me away from the subways. How concerned should I be, especially at night? I've only been on subways once (last year, in Australia)and seemed to stay lost, but was comfortable in my surroundings.Is it about the same? Thanks again.

Here's something from an article I googled:

"The number of killings rose from two in 2006 to four last year, a return to normalcy for a system in which the number of homicides a year has hovered between two and four for a decade."

Overall, crime in the subways dropped 12.9 percent - led by a radical fall in rape, robbery and grand larceny, according to the NYPD data.

The only crime classification to rise was assault, going up 8.9 percent, from 192 in 2006 to 209 in 2007."

Let me put that in context, there are about 5 million individual trips taken by subway everyday. That's about the size of Sydney? 209 assaults annually for a city the size of Sydney.

There are a few things to keep in mind. First, when you look at crime in the areas most visited by tourists, it is very, very low. Second, if you are a victim of crime as a tourist, it is most likely something like having your wallet stolen.

You can do things to prevent that. I never keep my wallet in my back pocket when on the subway or when walking through areas frequented by tourists. Always in the front pocket. A woman carrying a purse need to make sure in a crowd that the opening isn't exposed.

If riding the subway at night, stay within visual sight of the token booths. Many are staffed 24 hours. Enter where you see a green light at the entrance. Ride in the car with the conductor, which is usually towards the middle.

In my 20 years of commuting in NYC, only once did I feel like I was in a position where I might be in trouble. That was in the early 1990's when NYC was far more lawless. The group moved on when one of the said I looked like an undercover cop.

Which book was that?

The undercover cops are terrific, they are very hard to spot.

Indeed, my daughter once saw a couple of subway undercover cops spring into action (in another city) and she reported that the looks of astonishment on the faces of everyone else on the train were quite genuine. She expects that word gets out (that anybody on the train could be a cop) and that their anonymity is much more powerful than a uniformed presence could be. We have ridden the NYC subways as visitors and never felt any concern.

NYC is now considered the safest city in the US. People ride the subway 24/7. That said, some women chose not to use the subway late at night alone.

If you're that worried about the subway, just use the buses instead.

I take the subways all the time. Had my 10 and 12 year old nephews with me last week. :)

They are not for everyone, and I've seen plenty of times, lost visitors. I always try and help and many times, they are totally clueless on the subways.

They are very safe in my opinion. But it will go a long way, if you understand how to get around and do some prior homework.

Map out your locations, determine if they are downtown, or uptown from where you are, then you will know the entrance and direction to go in. Key is to not be huddled over a map looking lost.

If they are not for you, then consider the buses or just use your feet and cabs.

Also, if you are a tourist, most of the time you will be in very large crowds. The only real problem would be the one already mentioned: pickpockets. They are a problem wherever there are tourists. Otherwise, you just have to have a fairly good idea of which train you want before you go down there so you won't have too much of the lost feeling. And when you exit, if you aren't exactly sure where you are - just take any exit and get up and outdoors. Then you will feel more relaxed about finding your way.

New York subways in tourist areas are perfectly safe. There are areas - bad neighborhoods in the outer boroughs - where I wouldn't want to ride alone at 3 am. But you're fine anyplace a tourist would go.

Just be aware that late at night - midnight to 6 am or so - the trains run less often - perhaps every 15 minutes - versus every 4/5 minutes in rush hours.

(I'm a native who has been riding the subway my whole life - alone since I was 12 - and I have never seen a crime. That doesn't mean there might not be a random pickpocket or groper - but violent crime is minute versus the number of people riding.)

They are safe.

I feel very safe in NYC subways.

THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU!!! I feel so much better. I also appreciate the fact that some of you can relate to someone who is directionally challenged.

Here is something I posted a few months back:

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 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. Transfers do not occur at all stations.

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 opposite 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 no 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 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.

There is a lag time of 18 minutes on an unlimited card between uses for consecutive train uses.

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 stop 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 may 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 your helmet sometimes.
5. Don’t shower and wear muscle shirts.


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.

Very helpful info Aduchamp1. I appreciate it more than you know. Is Aduchamp a spin on I'm the champ,no, you the champ?

Mine is about Marcel Duchamp,the Dada artist, but sometimes names are taken.

My last 15 trips to Manhattan I don't think I've used a cab one time. Always the subway. It is the fastest way to get around the city.

My teenage DD and I always use the subway when in NYC. If you get lost or have a question don’t hesitate to ask someone. Most of the time we have seen guards standing around and they have always been very helpful. Get a good subway map it can be your friend. The subway is great you can get to where you are going so fast and easy. The only time we have used a cab in NYC is when we are going to and from the airport. Have a wonderful trip.

The NYC subways are nearly absolutely safe. They are as safe as the subways in London, Paris and Rome.

Follow the advice above and you will have no problem.

My son has used the subway to go to school every day since he was 6. He has used it every day by himself since he was 12. And he is not alone - the subway is the major mode of transportation for over 5 million people every day . The NYC subway is safe, fast and convenient. . NYers are happy to help you with directions - follow the above advice and you'll be fine.

All of your comments have been very helpful. Thank you very much. I'm really getting excited to get there.

ADUCHAMP1...I really needed an "outloud laugh" after all this planning. I LOVED your rules for the subway. I skipped through it (both on my post and your previos one) knowing I would come back, so with pad and pen in hand, I CRACKED UP! You are wonderful... Now, the but. Did I get what I needed to know? Don't go to the Bronx. Green means go and red usually does too. Express trains stop at designated areas and the doors usually open on the right. Locals stop at every station, the doors usually open on the right at local stops and on the left at express stops. Or I could follow the crowd heading towards the door. :)

In Manhattan, I don't hesitate to ride the subways 24/7.

One more thing I would add to the "rules" - sometimes, particularly on the weekends, certain subways will replace service w/ shuttle busses. You'll find this failry frequently w/ the L train. It's not a big deal if it happens (AT ALL), but just be aware. Always keep a map of not only the subway/map, but also a good street map. This way, if you do get caught by a disruption (either above or below ground), you can figure out which end is up.

Thank you for the compliment.


Now, the but. Did I get what I needed to know? Don't go to the Bronx. Green means go and red usually does too. Express trains stop at designated areas and the doors usually open on the right. Locals stop at every station, the doors usually open on the right at local stops and on the left at express stops. Or I could follow the crowd heading towards the door.

I am not sure of your questions but you can follow the crowds, if you think they are going to the same place as you.

If you are tourist in midtown it is hard to wind up in the Bronx.

Hi Aduchamp, what I meant by "the but" was, "Did I really find the really important parts?"

Lizziea, you responded to another post of mine. You told me if I chose to stay in the UWS, which I did, you were very knowledgeable. Come on with it :)

"NYC is now considered the safest city in the US."

By <i>whom</i>?

An overstatement, at the least.

However, I don't think tourists need to worry about their safety (re: crime -- crossing streets is another matter) in NYC as they did 30 yrs. ago unless they venture into non-tourist, unfamiliar and &quot;iffy&quot; neighborhoods, or Central Park at night.

Soccr, the poster should have clarified. NYC is considered the safest of the 10 biggest cities in the U.S.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14910822/

soccr, NYC is the 4th safest city in the country with populations over 500,000 and the safest large city in the United States.

I'd bet there are at least 50 cities in the US with populations over 500,000.


FBI findings

http://www.justicepolicy.org/images/...setoUCR_PS.pdf

And, keep in mind, those statistics include all 5 boroughs -- but 99% of tourists leave Manhattan.

Sorry ... 99% of tourists NEVER leave Manhattan ...

(the precincts in NYC with the highest crime rates are not in Manhattan)

Yeah, I've never thought twice about taking a subway anywhere in Manhattan. We just spent last weekend doing it again. Can't say I've ever seen much of anything that would worry me any more than walking around up top. Also a fairly easy system, I think, starting with buying and reloading the metrocard at a kiosk. Now if I could ever manage to come up out of the right exit, I'd be all set.

The subway is as safe as you are! By that I mean, be aware of your surroundings, dont stick out like a sore thumb. Try to walk with determination. Dont hang a camera around your neck while looking at a map...upside down...in the subway! Travel with another person. And DO NOT WEAR A BACKPACK! You can get pick-pocketed and not even know it!

The subways in NYC are perfectly safe. I have traveled on them in the evenings and nights and have never encountered a problem. (1 AM 2 hours from the JFK airport to Manhattan) Ride the car with the conductor (person who opens the doors)
Just don't ride them in the wee hours. The trains run 24 hours, and may be crowded all the time since NYC is a 24 hour city, but why be on the subway after midnight or 1 AM or before 6 AM, when there is less chance of asking someone a question or help.
Be aware of your surroundings. Know what direction you are going. Again, the subways in NYC are not as clear about uptown and downtown as in other places.
Get a subway map. (and a bus map) Unfortunately, the subways in NYC are not really color coded on the platforms. (I have ridden the subways in several cities and countries worldwide, where the color coding makes it a lot easier) The subways in NYC go everywhere and are the fast and most efficient way to travel. It is $2 per ride.
I would buy a metro card. There is a 7 day/weekly pass for $25. There is a one-day pass. I think it is $8. Either will give you unlimited rides on the bus or subway.
There are subway stations that are almost always deserted and empty. Some stations do not have a person to help you. You can buy metrocards in a machine. You can use a credit card, debit card and cash.
Also, be aware that the subways do &quot;weird&quot; stuff on the weekends, (due to track work and other things) so always check to make sure that the subway is going to go where it should.
The buses do not accept paper money, so do buy a metro card, even if you are only going to ride the bus. You can connect to a bus and subway for one fare. (You have 2 hours to travel) You cannot share an unlimited metro card, but you can share a metro card. You can select how much money to put on it. If you get a metro card for more than $7, you get a bonus of 15%. Try to avoid having any money left over. $2 will be taken off for each ride. (One 'transfer' is free--this is from bus-to-bus or bus to subway. You cannot get a 'transfer' from subway to subway. There is a 18 minute delay in using an unlimited card on the subway. Subway to subway travel--this is why you cannot pass an unlimited day or weekly card to someone else.)
I recommend using the NYC subways.

Is the a 'perfectly safe' subway?

http://tinyurl.com/2b4f5q

Is any place in the world 'safe'? ((*))

I just returned from my 2nd solo trip to Manhattan, and my only means of transportation was walking and the subway. I did always know what was going on around me, and I do have a pretty good sense of direction (which helps), but even so, the subways can still be confusing. I always got help from either a fellow rider, or a subway employee. I felt very safe.....but other than going to B'way shows, (in which case you're heading back to your hotel after 11pm), I tried not to ride the subways much after 9pm.....the reason being, that I often had a few blocks to walk after exiting the subway....and sometimes those walks were on fairly dark, deserted streets, and I didn't feel comfortable doing that alone for more than a couple of blocks. In summary, I felt very safe in NYC....both walking and riding the subways......and most of the time I was doing both in broad daylight, or at least during busy hours when crowds of other people were walking and riding the subway. My goal was not to be walking or riding alone.

Um, Jed, your link refers to a subway crime in Philadelphia. No one here made any claims about the relative safety of Philadelphia subways. ;-P

The subways are VERY SAFE these days, but of course you need to use COMMON SENSE. Always always stay alert. Don't be &quot;under the influence&quot; and looking like a target. Don't flash jewelry.Don't travel @ really odd late hours alone. (Better yet, if you're from out of town, but all means take a taxi if it's late @ night.) Don't stay alone in a car. Move to a subway car with other passengers. I've been in the City since the late 70's, and I love our public transportation system. You can travel far and wide for a mere $ 2!