moorel123

Another thing to note is that the trains run very sporadically after midnight. At that time of the night, it really pays to take a cab, especially if you're with a group who can split the fare. Cabs are pretty much the only cars on the road late at night, so you get to your location in no time rather than waiting up to 45 minutes or an hour for the next train.

Also, if taking the path from New York to New Jersey, be sure to read the signs on the sides of the train cars. Some go to Hoboken; some go to Journal Square (which is in Jersey City), but they all travel on the same track.

ellenem

Adding to moorel123's point, a bus can be a good option at night for the same reasons—less traffic, fewer riders, therefore the bus makes fewer stops. At night I often check the avenues to see if a bus is nearby before heading down into a subway station.

sweetsofny

@fredandgingermad, I wouldn't worry about your stroller too much on the 2 line. If your traveling between 9am-4pm uptown (to Woodlawn) then the train is relatively empty. After riding the 2 for seven years, stroller complaints are rare, train delays are however, are not. BTW there is a great bakery near Woodlawn Cemetery (you know there are ton's of famous people burried there?) called Anna Artuso's (which I wrote about on my blog sweetsofny.com)- get the tiramasu!
As a New Yorker, you can always spot a tourist from a local. My advice to visitors is to not be afraid to ask questions. Also, the subway is home to many of the city's homeless and mentally unstable. If somebody is staring at you, do not stare back.
If there is a fight in a train car, there are emergancy buttons to push along the wall near the doors. Do not hesitate to push the button if things get out of hand.
Sometimes NY high schoolers will get rowdy, and occasionally will pick out a vulnerable looking passenger to try to incite an argument with. In my experience these people are usually tourists. Ignore them and they will go away. If they don't press the emergency call button and tell the conductor that you are being "assaulted", don't try to explain the whole situation because they most likely will not be able to make out most of what you're saying over the sound of the train.
If you are traveling on a crowded subway train don't be surprised if you are shoved or are the recipient of rude behavior. However, this is no excuse for innappropriate touching. The city of NY launched a campaign against "unlawful sexual conduct on crowded subway trains and platforms" for this very reason. If somebody made you feel uncomfortable, go to the teller, MTA personel (they have uniform), or a police officer and let them know. Tourists/visitors being the most vulnerable, I think it's important to stress safety.
NYC is a great city, with tons of things for you to do and see, and most of its residents are really nice (although always in a rush). But like any city it's important to be prepared and know how to keep yourself safe.

fredandgingermad

@sweetsofny, i'd imagine we'd be traveling around mid afternoon i know Vernon and Irene Castle are interred there which is why we're going, will check out the bakery I know for getting there you have to change going from Manhattan? I tried visiting last year but went wrong somehow and then ran out of time but hopefully this trip it'll work out alright!

ellenem

My grandparents are in Woodlawn, right down the lane from a really great corner where you will find Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, and Lionel Hampton, and on the next lane, Irving Berlin. The booth at the gate has maps with the graves of famous people marked, some less famous as the years pass.