Rules of The Subway
Jul 6th, 2010, 09:59 AM
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Rules of The Subway
Here is a revised Rules of The Subway. Unfortunately I do not know the permutations of Metrocard offerings, so someone else will have to supply that. The discussion on Senior MetroCards went on for decades.
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.
Even though a Metrocard is used for entry, no NY’er calls the subway the Metro, Tube, or Underground. It is either called the subway or the train.
Do not use or ask for a subway line using the colors on the map. They will have no idea what your talking about. NY’ers either use the letter or the number. Say, “Can you tell where to get the “R” train or the “E” train. There are few exceptions. NY’ers refer to the 4 or 5 as the Lex (Lexington Avenue) Express and the 6 as the Lex Local. And the train from Grand Central to Times Square is called the Shuttle.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Even though a Metrocard is used for entry, no NY’er calls the subway the Metro, Tube, or Underground. It is either called the subway or the train.
Do not use or ask for a subway line using the colors on the map. They will have no idea what your talking about. NY’ers either use the letter or the number. Say, “Can you tell where to get the “R” train or the “E” train. There are few exceptions. NY’ers refer to the 4 or 5 as the Lex (Lexington Avenue) Express and the 6 as the Lex Local. And the train from Grand Central to Times Square is called the Shuttle.
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.
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.
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.
Jul 6th, 2010, 11:10 AM
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I love the buses, but if you look at the speed of the Second Avenue buses and the major cross town buses, such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, and 42nd, it is sometimes faster to walk.
The irony, of course, of the subway stations is that they are hot from the heat thrown off by the A/C of the trains.
The irony, of course, of the subway stations is that they are hot from the heat thrown off by the A/C of the trains.
Jul 6th, 2010, 12:43 PM
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I was impressed with the Metro system in DC...the stations are air conditioned. I know NYC's subway is way older, but I wonder that the stations there have never been retrofitted with a/c. They are truly stifling in the summer.
Jul 6th, 2010, 01:40 PM
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The new Second Avenue Subway will be air-conditioned.
I would imagine the cost of putting A/C in the old subway stations would be somewhere between astronomical and bankrupt.
I would travel to work in jeans and a t-shirt and change at the office.
I would imagine the cost of putting A/C in the old subway stations would be somewhere between astronomical and bankrupt.
I would travel to work in jeans and a t-shirt and change at the office.
Jul 6th, 2010, 03:25 PM
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You know, it's interesting about subway temps. When I got off the train tonight, it was actually cooler in the Grand Central subway station (the platforms on the 4/5/6 trains are air-conditioned there) than outside, so I walked underground as far as I could. But the 7 platform is usually like a furnace, ditto my main station at 57th/7th Ave. (even that was marginally cooler than outside this afternoon .. it was that hot in NYC today).
Jul 6th, 2010, 04:07 PM
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I agree with Doug! Today (with a high of 103) the stations at 2nd Ave/LES, W. 4th Street, 34th Street, and 42nd Street/Port Authority were all actually cooler than the temp outside. I was completely dumbfounded. They were, however, quite hot, and I do not expect this trend to last through the summer.
Another tip: If you are looking at your map, do not stand in the middle of the stairs. Also: do not let your toddler climb the narrow stairs one at a time during rush hour.
Another tip: If you are looking at your map, do not stand in the middle of the stairs. Also: do not let your toddler climb the narrow stairs one at a time during rush hour.
Jul 6th, 2010, 04:51 PM
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Please include:
If on a escalator move to the right especially at rush hour. Many of us don't have the luxury of taking our time as we're either heading to work or trying to catch a commuter train at Penn Station - this is especially true on the E line station at Fifth Avenue or the Citi Corp building.
Consider it from our perspective - if we miss the subway we are shooting for because we're stuck on the escalator behind people who are standing there that can mean I'm getting home 45 minutes later.
If on a escalator move to the right especially at rush hour. Many of us don't have the luxury of taking our time as we're either heading to work or trying to catch a commuter train at Penn Station - this is especially true on the E line station at Fifth Avenue or the Citi Corp building.
Consider it from our perspective - if we miss the subway we are shooting for because we're stuck on the escalator behind people who are standing there that can mean I'm getting home 45 minutes later.
Jul 6th, 2010, 04:54 PM
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They cannot be retrofitted for AC for several reasons -
The cost is enormous and New Yorkers already pay as much as they are willing to ( and while the federal government will spend a fortune on highways without any cars they won;t spend a penny on a subway system that carries millions of riders)
Subways are vented to the street (if you're walking along and hear a rumbling underneath you - that is a subway. You will see hundreds of large gratings on any street with a subway underneath
The system is enormous and parts of it are outdoors - how would you ever keep the whole thing cool? Never mind the cost - where would the electricity come from? NYC is a balancing act as it is - and every time we get a hot spell in the summer there are all sorts of rules about when to turn your home AC on and off and not using dish or clothes washers between 8 am and 7 pm. Even then we often have brown outs - there just is NOT enough power in really hot weather. If we were to cool the entire subway system Canada would have to go without electricity.
The cost is enormous and New Yorkers already pay as much as they are willing to ( and while the federal government will spend a fortune on highways without any cars they won;t spend a penny on a subway system that carries millions of riders)
Subways are vented to the street (if you're walking along and hear a rumbling underneath you - that is a subway. You will see hundreds of large gratings on any street with a subway underneath
The system is enormous and parts of it are outdoors - how would you ever keep the whole thing cool? Never mind the cost - where would the electricity come from? NYC is a balancing act as it is - and every time we get a hot spell in the summer there are all sorts of rules about when to turn your home AC on and off and not using dish or clothes washers between 8 am and 7 pm. Even then we often have brown outs - there just is NOT enough power in really hot weather. If we were to cool the entire subway system Canada would have to go without electricity.
Jul 8th, 2010, 07:51 AM
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Regarding one of the rules above mentioned: Standing in the door of the subway car. My suggestion is - if you do not wish to be taken for a tourist in the subway -- stand at the subway car door - this is a very New York position. This way - you can prevent other passengers from entering the car - especially at busy times and it is specially effective if you are about 6'2" and weigh about 280 pounds - people will really have a hard time trying to get around you. There is hardly a car in the system where you will not find one of those standing in the door entrance. Other veteran New Yorkers whack the guy with a sharp elbow to suggest he move - never works
Jul 8th, 2010, 08:54 AM
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I agree with the "Excuse me" twice and push rule. Use it whenever I'm back in the City.
Dunno what NYTrav is talking about, the federal government gives hundreds of millions of dollars to Albany for transportation money, much of which Albany uses to prop up the MTA (which runs the subway, LIRR and Metro-North, among others). It's the MTA's own fault that its union workers are getting 11% raises over the next 3 years when no one else in this economy could expect that.
Dunno what NYTrav is talking about, the federal government gives hundreds of millions of dollars to Albany for transportation money, much of which Albany uses to prop up the MTA (which runs the subway, LIRR and Metro-North, among others). It's the MTA's own fault that its union workers are getting 11% raises over the next 3 years when no one else in this economy could expect that.
Jul 8th, 2010, 09:19 AM
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The money the federal government givs to mass transit is a pittance to what they give for roads, bridges etc It seems to me that the money should follow the people (give the most with the most riders/drivers) not just how much empty land there is and how many miles of road they want.
I would be happy if the NYS tax money that goes to the federal government and is spent on transportation were paid back to the subway system - instead of to support barely usd roads in half the country.
I would be happy if the NYS tax money that goes to the federal government and is spent on transportation were paid back to the subway system - instead of to support barely usd roads in half the country.
Jul 8th, 2010, 10:33 AM
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Love, love, love many if not most of these suggestions. My stop is the E at 53rd and Lex and there is only one escalator working at one of the exits. I can't tell you how many times non-NYers have become outraged when asked to MOVE when standing on the left and not proceeding upward. Seriously? We're all heading to work - get out of the way!!
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