BigRuss

>

Uh, no. That doesn't happen in all-stop systems. You don't go faster over an equivalent distance. The Piccadilly from South Kens to Holborn goes a lot slower than the 2 from 72nd to 14th.

>

Uh, sure. Of course, the US public national rail system does not and has not existed because there isn't one - Amtrak runs subservient to freight rights of way just about everywhere but the Northeast. Publicly funded US suburban systems are largely huge money drains upon local governments much like ... the NYC subway.

And the Japanese beat either and the JR is ... privatized.

nelsonian

Well coming from a town that doesn't have a train system, I love the NYC subway.The fact that you can travel or over Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens for $ 2.75 a ride is just such an economical way to travel.

marvelousmouse

Yes, I was mostly kidding, Thursday. Paris is cuter and London is cleaner and more functional and I really liked the Oyster card. And probably any transit system anywhere else has more helpful transit workers than NYC. I haven't any experience with the Asian systems but I was really impressed with how modernized the whole London Underground is.

But it was easier to figure it than London- I think because of the uptown/downtown thing. I spent the first couple of days in London riding a few stops in the wrong direction every time I left my hostel. And it's just my opinion but the people watching is better too. I mean sometimes that makes the ride less pleasant but it's always interesting.

thursdaysd

@mm - interesting. I find the whole uptown/downtown thing annoying. I tend to go down the wrong hole and then find I can't cross - not a problem with other systems. And the conditions underground are really grim. BTW, in London you can check the list of stations on the wall at the entrance to the platforms.

marvelousmouse

Yeah, I know there's a list. I don't know why I was so thrown by the directional thing. And I don't know why I found NYC easy, either. I would have figured I'd get lost there more.

But you're definitely right about the grimness. I felt like London was actually trying to adapt to this century, whereas NYC system was being dragged kicking and screaming towards tonlight of the future lol.

thursdaysd

Seems I am not the only one who doesn't think the NYC subway is the best.

From: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/26/o...york.html?_r=0

"[New Yorkers] also know the system is nowhere near the best and is getting worse"

IMDonehere

Well, here is another option. When in NY use the Moscow subway.

There was no mention in the original post about the efficacy, the ranking, or the place in the hearts of visitors or NY'ers regarding the subway. I once counted that I have taken over 15,000 subway rides. That must qualify me for some dubious distinction, though I am confident there are tens of thousands who have taken it more.

The system was good for 15 years but during the last few, it has gotten bad again, not in terms of crime but in service. But still it is a better way to get around Manhattan, than the puerile fueled Uber.

thursdaysd

I am not disputing that it is usually the best way to get around New York, although I have used buses on occasion. I am disputing that it is the world's best subway system. (And threads often take off in unforeseen directions.)

Christina

I think the NYC subway system is the most unpleasant, grim and ugly system (both stations and trains) of any city I've been on anywhere in the world. And that includes Mexico City. Haven't been to Russia or Asia, though, but it's worse than any I've been on in Europe. So yeah, it gets you around town but boy is it ugly. Other cities with underground systems that old aren't that ugly in terms of cars and stations. And it doesn't the convenience of nearly as many stops as some other cities, either (like Paris), or the network. Age is part of it, but Paris is just as old and isn't that ugly.

nelsonian

I have used the subway system in Busan South Korea, and it was pristine. They had workers, mostly elderly cleaning the platforms most of the day. It is a very recent subway though built when the Olympics were held there.

Fishnlines29

I prefer London's over NYC's - it gets you everywhere (unlike NY where I can't get cross town easily) though some London stops are truly annoying with the up, down, walk, down, up escalator system!

Did anyone see the "Super Tunnel" documentary on Netflix, it's pretty amazing to watch. From a recent article, the tunnel is expected to open Dec of 2018.

NewbE

<So yeah, it gets you around town but boy is it ugly. >
This is really true. Natives probably don't notice. And NYC has so much cool quotient that tourists are okay with it; I know I am. But it must be said that dirty and fetid (mostly in the summer, but oh god, in the summer!) isn't ideal.

thursdaysd

"And NYC has so much cool quotient that tourists are okay with it"

Er, no. They put up with it, not having much choice.

IMDonehere

I admit it, NYC and NY'ers are highly imperfect. But for some reason, 60 million visitors came to inspect those imperfections last year. I know I speak for other native NY'ers who would be willingly throw aside that overused "I (heart) NY" for "NY, we are imperfect. Whaddya gonna do about it?"
(Sorry, Milton Glaser.)

I too prefer the London tube over the NYC subway, especially when I am in London.

Due to the subway, I do not own a car but we have also have other choices like buses, cabs, bikes, and our feet. So, that putrid system is extremely ecologically advantageous over those suburban alternatives.

jayne1973

Thanks for posting--great info for those of who love using public transit but don't do it too often.