New York News and Advice
The most economical way to travel through New York City is on the subway. If used correctly, the New York City subway can get you almost anywhere you want to go literally in minutes. But there are some rules that will make your subway ride (and the ride of the others on board) more pleasant. Here are some things you will want to consider before boarding your local subway.
1. Get a metro card. If you are going to be in New York City for more than 2 days, it is a better deal to purchase the 7-day metro card. Individual fares run $2 per ride, but a 7-day metro card is good for unlimited bus and subway rides for 7 days and costs only $25. There are also 14-day and 30-day metro card options for those visiting on longer trips.
2. When getting on or off the subway, do not stop in the doorway while you are deciding what to do next. New Yorkers live a very fast paced life. Many of them are constantly hurrying to run from one train to the next in order to get to their ultimate destination on time. If you are standing in their way when they are in a hurry you run the risk of getting knocked over or experiencing unpleasant glances or words from those around you.
3. Don’t talk loudly. New Yorkers have a reputation for being loud, but on the subway even the loudest New Yorker knows to be quiet. While it’s common for some people to talk on the subway, conversations should be quiet enough that those around you can’t hear what you are saying.
4. When boarding the subway, allow those who are on the subway to get off the subway before you board. This is a well-known unspoken rule of the subway, and all regular subway riders abide by it. If you don’t abide by it you will find yourself going against the flow of traffic and you may get stepped on or trampled in the process.
5. Always yield seats to elderly, pregnant or disabled people. Even if you aren’t sitting in a designated special seating area, if you see someone who actually needs to be seated it is a common courtesy to yield your seat to him or her no matter how many packages you may be carrying or how long you have been waiting for a seat to open up.
6. Make sure you never take up more than your fair share of the seat when you do find available space on a subway bench. Bags and packages should almost always go on your lap or on the floor (but not in the aisle way) especially if you are traveling during rush hour.
7. Do not attempt to make small talk with strangers on the subway. Many people make it obvious that they don’t want to converse with strangers by listening to their i-Pod or reading a book or magazine. But even those who don’t have a blatant “do not disturb” tactic usually don’t want to be bothered on their daily commute. So, save yourself the trouble of a rude rejection and don’t initiate small talk—unless of course you need directions. In that case, most New Yorkers would be happy to help you find your way around their great city.