New York subway system
 

one last question-I have never used the subway in New York. Is it fully automated or is there are person from whom we purchase our tickets and get infromation?

Maybe this will be helpful:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic..._New_York.html

There is also an official website. Your guidebook might also have a section on the subject.

You buy a farecard at a machine and you swipe it and go through the turnstile

Here is something I put together some time ago and I am sure there is similarities to the links above.

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.

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.

Aduchamp, you are scaring me. Maybe we better not go on the subway. I don't want to lose a kid. They are too cute. The only time we need the subway is to go from Times Square to the Staten Island ferry.

p.s. I have just been jumping on and off trains in Israel. For sure no one helps you. Do you think my experience will help navigate NY subway?

Don't be scared. They are easy to take and well-marked. I have found people willing to help with questions.

Do not be scared, there are always more children to be had.

Seriously, you will be fine of you have been on any subway system. Many people are imtimidated by the subway and they should not be. I took the subway to high school and it is as safe now as it ever was.

The rules of the subway were written to instill knowledge not fear.

You will be fine. Be not afraid.

Also, Here's a recent thread that discussed many apsects of the New York system:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...nyc-subway.cfm

Adu, I don't know where in Manhattan you are but I hope you can hear me clapping from midtown. :))

Michelle, I hope he can hear ME clapping from San Francisco!!

Ita, you can buy Metrocards at any station using a machine, You need a credit card or cash (but it won't give you more than $6 in change/coins, I think--so for example you can't put in a $20 for a $4.50 card)

Almost all stations used to have clerks; sadly many stations/entrances, even some busy ones, don't. Most clerks are now specifically not there to sell cards, only for information, and some of them are supposed to roam the station helping people.
Do not hesitate to just ask another traveler in the station for help--most of us will be happy to explain things to you.

On another note, I think you are traveling with small children? In case it isn't obvious, this is a very busy time of the year on subways, even on the weekends , so make sure the kids stay close and know what to do in case they become separated from you. Have a good trip!

I think your previous subway experience will be helpful. We found the NY subway system pretty easy to use and would not hesitate to use it again.

this is a hilarious thread! thanks to all for the posts!

Note that you can use one (pay per ride) MetroCard for all five of you. When you put $8 or more on the card, you receive a 15% discount. Best bet is to figure the total fare for trips you will definitely make - you can add more whenever needed. If you watch carefully when swiping, the balance on your card will be displayed.

You can swipe the card and then send the kids through, one after another, then go through yourselves.

Pick up the free subway/bus map in the station.

When getting on the subway trains, stand aside for those getting off, then make sure the kids get on quickly ahead of you and that you're close behind.

Consider using the buses, too. You miss all the scenery when traveling underground, and there are lots of hallways and stairs in the stations.

djbooks is incorrect. Only 4 people can share a pay-per-ride MetroCard. See below:

http://www.mta.info/metrocard/compare.htm

All you really need to know is whether your destination is "uptown" or "downtown" from where you are presently. Hopstop.com, or any Manhattanite in the vicinity, can help you too.

Thank you for the applause, I thought that was that crazy noise I get in my ears from time to time.

Ignore AHBergmann's obvious ad. Most short term apt. rentals are illegal in NYC. What a loser.

ellenm - up to 3 children, up to 44 inches tall ,ride for free when accompanied by an adult on the subway and bus.

MP,
Sure that's true. But djbooks wrote, "Note that you can use one (pay per ride) MetroCard for all five of you." It is untrue that you can scan the same MetroCard for five people.

The subway is, by far, the faster way to get around NYC. It is safe, but unfortunately, the stations are not as clean as it would be nice for them to be. They get swept but I don't think they are often, or ever, washed. The cars are really clean especially wwith the amount of riders. So, use subways in NYC, and do hold children's hands getting on and off the cars and in the crowded streets. People do stand and offer seats for older people and sometimes for women with children.

ellenem - you're right, I skimmed the posts and didn't pick up on that, thanks for pointing it out.

You forgot to mention the ....RATS......

ellenem, the five-year old is probably under 44" tall so can ride for free...I did NOT state that the card could be swiped five times.

The subway system is not scary. It has it's faults (dirty, late, mobbed, often with minor delays for no discernibe reason) - but it is not scary - unless:

You meet an odd person. There are many her in NYC - but most are eccentric and not truly mad. But there are some that are mad and the subway is a prime place for them to go (you can ride forever in all directions for one fare, trains run 2/7 and if you have no home in the winter there are worse places).

I have been riding the subway alone since I was 12. Many many thousans of times. I have never seen a major crime - although groping is possibe in a crowded car. If this occurs you have 2 choices. Stampon the foot of the groper and say - Oh, was that your foot? Then move. Or,m ove first, but as you either go past or leave the car dig him in the ribs with an elbow.

If the person seems truly disturbed - do not do any of this - just get out of that car.

And do NOT stare at anyone. It is typically seen as either a challenge or an invitaion. Instead, hone your langauge skills by learning to read all of the ads in Spanish.

And then shower ... beyond the gropers, it's the grimiest subway I've ever been on and I've use subways on five continents.

I think i can solve the subway problem by giving the kids the choice of going on the ferry or visiting Toys R Us and FAO Schwartz, Which do you think they will choose?

djbooks,
No, it's true you didn't state "swipe" five times, but the sentence did say that five people would be using the card. Someone who hasn't read ita's other posts might misunderstand that there are small children in ita's group. I'm just trying to help others who aren't reading all the details of these posts be clear that a regular MetroCard can be swiped only four times in a row. Without that understanding, a party of five might send most of their party through the turnstiles only to discover that they must buy another MetroCard.

The subway system here is pretty easy to use, just make sure you read the signs posted. I take the subway all the time, and even us NYers can get confused sometimes. I was taking the L shuttle train yesterday and got on going the wrong direction, so got off and got back on going the right way, happens sometimes, so don't get flustered.

If you want to get to the Staten Island Ferry, take the #1 train from Times Square and it ends at the Ferry. The trip will probably take about 20 minutes from TS.

Thanks again for all of your valuable information. I wish I could make a sign saying this is Tennesseesoftball, to wear while I visit your exciting city in case we might be on the same subway train. I would by you lunch!! Thanks again and my count down has begun 14 days :)WOHOO!!

Repete-

1.6 billion use the subway yearly. There are approximately 600 miles of revenue producing tracks. 468 stations available 24 hours a day every day including holidays.

Could it be cleaner, sure. But to give the impression you while you leave the subway dirty, is simply not true.

I agree that the NYC subway is the dirtiest, by far, I've ever used. It could be a LOT cleaner. We avoid it whenever possible and use the buses or the occasional taxi.

ellenem, I was responding specifically to the OP and not posting general information. My point was that it would not be necessary or advisable to purchase a MetroCard for each person in her group.

DJ--That is certainly true for ita's group (if you read the other posts about this trip to find out the people in the group).

I had just read another thread in another forum in which someone miswrote that one MetroCard could cover "all eight people" (who were all adults) in their group, so I was attuned to this particular bit of misinformation. Sorry to imply that you were wrong--you were stating specifically rather than generally how the MetroCard works.

Aduchamp1: So size is the excuse? Can you name a dirtier one?

There's a real simple way to start improving it: They could clean it up quite a bit by banning and enforcing an eating/drinking ban ... although that McDonalds-catchup-mustard-pickle-wrapper odor does mask some of the more foul smells.

Hey, I love the subway and use it a lot when I'm there. But compared to any other subway I've ridden, it's the filthiest.

All the statsitics contribute to its condiiton.

Even though ridership has increased over the years so has the fare. (This is for a number of reasons, nonw good.) But choices had to be made and not cutting train service won.

Hey I am ALWAYS up for a lunch or short tour of our wonderful city, if you have a bit of time. I am a GREAT tour guide, imho, lol.

Let me know.

Repete - I know it's popular sport to slam NY's subway system. I don't think there is another system in the world that has about 4 to 5 million users a day and all you need is a few passengers who just don;t give a hoot about disposing of their trash - leaving empty bottle or bag on the train - and all that adds up. But I ride the subway quite a bit - it's pretty efficient and gets you there in the shortest time possible in this town. Air-conditioned during summer months. Try that in Paris - especially during the warm weather. No air-conditioning and Parisians are not particularly noted for taking a daily shower or bath and you can tell that when you get on a crowded metro train.

It is true that the NYC subway system (primarily the stations - trains are not so bad). This is a function of several things:

It runs 24/7/365 unlike other systems - so there is no down time to clean it

Fares are very low compared to many other systems ($2.25 is full fare for any ride - including spending a week hopping from one train to another non-stop (and there are many Metro Card deals that are less)

The MTA has opted to reduce cleaning rather than raise fares - since the subway is used by MANY people living on a minimum wage - for whom increased fares would be a real hardship

(If the subway had fares like the London tube and shut down at night I'm sure it would be cleaner - but it would bring the city to a standstill)

The other reason the NYC subway system looks the way it does - other than :the huge number of people who use it, the distance it covers, the round the clock round the year operation and the complexity of the system is the fact that the underground system is more than 100 years old. The elevated system is more than 135 years old. Let's see how you look when you're 100.

Athen's first line began running in 1869 and looks pretty good. Not a bad system ... and far cleaner.

As for the "down time" argument, that's not quite true. Cars can -- and are -- taken out of service regularly during a 24/7 schedule.

Banning eating/drinking in stations and cars would be a simple improvement. It's done successfully elsewhere, perhaps that's why no one here has posted a filthier system.