A Tourist's Guide to Riding New York City's Subway

New York City's subway is a thriving underground maze with its own unique atmosphere. It may seem complicated and confusing to tourists. At times, it may even be downright frustrating. However, with a little knowledge of its basic aspects, it can become much less of a conundrum. Therefore, what better way to welcome tourists to New York City than with a "Tourist's Guide to Riding New York City's Subway" written by a resident who rides the subway regularly who was once a tourist?

Basics Aspects of Riding New York City's Subway

There are six basic aspects to riding the City's subway:

1) Understand the street-world above (layout of Manhattan)

2) Become familiar with the subway lines

3) Fares and Metrocards

4) Know the best ways to get help in the subway

5) Platform and Train Car Protocol

6) Safety Measures

Understand the Street-world Above

New York City is divided into three main sections: Downtown, Midtown, and Uptown. These sections are split in half, roughly, as East Side and West Side. Think of New York City as a pan of brownies cut into six sections: 1) Downtown East; 2) Downtown West; 3) Midtown East; 4) Midtown West; 5) Uptown East; and 6) Uptown West.

Where are Downtown, Midtown, and Uptown?

Now, there are only three big brownies. Downtown begins at FDR South below the Financial District and runs up to 14^th Street. Midtown begins at 14^th Street and runs to 59^th Street. Uptown begins at 59^th Street and runs to 220^th Street in Inwood on the Westside and 135^th Street on the Eastside.

Where are the Eastside and Westside?

Now, the pan is cut into two huge brownies. Basically, the Eastside begins on the FDR Drive near the East River and runs to Fifth Avenue. The Westside begins at Central Park West and runs to the West Side Highway near the Hudson River. However, this does not apply to the sections of Upper and Lower Manhattan where Central Park West and Fifth Avenue do not exist.

So, the first and foremost thing to learn from this tourist's guide to riding New York City's subway is that the subway runs in conjunction with the streets above it. Trains run Uptown and Downtown on both the East and West Sides. Specific trains also run Cross-town from the East Side to the West Side.

TIP: Know "before" you go into the subway whether your destination is downtown, uptown, east or west from where you are standing. You can find this out very easily by using any Manhattan map. They are FREE all over the City. If you should enter the subway without a map, check out the big maps on the subway walls. You can also research your destinations, in advance, on the Internet "before" you venture into the subway. Knowing which direction you are going will save you from roaming around dumbfounded or frustrated.

Become Familiar with the Subway Lines

The subway has five main lines designated by these colors: Yellow, Red, Green, Blue, and Orange. It also has Brown, Gray, and Purple lines. Trains are designated by letters and numbers. The New York City Mass Transit Authority offers excellent information to help you familiarize yourself with the subway's lines and trains. There are maps on the subway platforms, as well, that depict the lines and stops. The subway is full of signs and the trains are marked on the sides. However, to find the right numbered or lettered train is not enough, you must also be sure it is going in the right direction i.e., uptown or downtown.

TIP: Subway lines are never referred to by their colors, for some unknown reason. So, if you ask people for information about them by color, you may not get help. Ask for help by destination, train number or letter, or direction.

Fares and Metrocards

A Tourist's Guide to Riding New York City's Subway would be remiss if it did not mention:

You cannot pay at a subway turnstile with cash or a credit card. You must have a Metrocard!

The "straight" fare for a subway ride is $2.00. Once you pay the $2.00 you can ride the subway all day long, literally, as long you never surface. However, the MTA offers specials that allow you to ride for even less than the $2.00 per ride.

The most recommended way to purchase a Metrocard is from the Metrocard vending machines in the subway stations. You insert cash, debit or credit card and, voila, a Metrocard pops out.

However, the machines can be a nightmare if a person is unfamiliar with them. So, the next best way to purchase Metrocards is directly from an MTA worker in a subway station booth.

TIP: Purchase cards discretely without "flashing" too much cash. Also, do not lose your card or someone else will ride on your dime.

Know the Best Ways to Get Help in the Subway

When riding New York City's subway, the three best ways to get help are:

1. Ask the Mass Transit Authority (MTA) attendant behind the subway station booth - The MTA workers are well-trained, knowledgeable, and usually very helpful.
They can assist you with directions, Metrocards and any other concerns you may have. However, all booths are not manned at all times.

TIP: If traveling in the late evening and early morning hours, try to plan your commute using above-ground taxicabs and buses. If you must use the subway, try to only use stations with manned booths.

2. Every train is run by MTA staff. They are the people with their heads hanging out of a window on a subway car. Ask them for help.

3. New York residents ride the subway 24/7. Do not hesitate to ask us for help. We are not as bad as you may have heard. Most New Yorkers are more than happy to help tourists maneuver the subway.

TIP: Earphones are like "do not disturb" signs. If a resident is wearing earphones, ask someone else. Also, it is helpful to learn to distinguish the residents from the tourists as residents can provide you with more useful information. We are usually the ones who are laid-back and/or bored on the subway without suitcases.

Platform and Train Car Protocol

In an effort to make your subway ride a little smoother, this Tourist's Guide to Riding New York City's Subway offers the following recommendations:

DO NOT stand on the edge of the platform

DO nicely push your way into a crowded subway car

DO NOT shove or elbow your way into a crowded subway car

DO make sure you get all the way into the car, including your belongings

DO keep moving further in once you enter a car. People are behind you.

DO NOT block the aisle with outstretched legs or packages

DON'T sit where you don't fit

DO say "excuse me" (loud enough to be heard) when maneuvering out of a crowded car

TIP: Common courtesy is always the best policy in New York City's Subway.

Safety Measures

Please use common-sense measures for your own and everyone else's safety. Keep track of your belongings. Do not count a wad of money on a subway car (I have seen people do this). Avoid eye contact with other passengers. Do not provoke the obviously deranged. Listen to MP3 music, or read as you ride, and mainly keep to your own business for safety's sake. The wrong interaction could be unpleasant or even dangerous.This is not to say that you cannot have a pleasant conversation now and again, but use good judgment.

FINAL TIP: Panhandlers work the subway cars. If you choose to donate, expose as little money as possible. Also, subway musicians, whether on the platform or the train car, are NOT panhandlers. They work for tips. Some of them win a competition to earn opportune spots in New York City's subway. So, if you enjoy a musician's performance, TIP. Again, handle your money discretely.

Now, you are armed with your own Tourist's Guide to Riding New York City's Subway. So, come visit New York City's underground maze and enjoy the ride.

Sources:
Subway Line Schedules, New York City Transit Authority

Where to Buy Metrocard, New York City Transit Autthority