Riding the Subway in New York City

As a New York City resident, I have seen my fare share of tourists to say the least. You can always spot a tourist right away from their upbeat attitude or Southern Accent. The vast majority of tourists who visit Times Square in Manhattan all have cameras and video camcorders. They are looking up at the giant billboards and street lights that pave the way. I'll be the first one to admit that living in New York City is a great experience. I have often heard which is also true by the way that being a tourist in New York City is expensive, especially when it comes to traveling. Taking a taxi costs $2.50 at a minimum and that is just to step into the taxi. Taxis have a meter for the distance you are traveling and they are not cheap. Half a mile will get you around $18. Many tourists have been told to take the subway train system but they have heard that is dangerous and scary. Not to fear tourists, the subway trains are very safe and affordable and I highly recommend them.

Taking the subway train is only $2 for each way that you travel. You first have to buy a metro card from the metro card machine which accepts both cash and credit or debit cards. Then you will get a skinny little card that you swipe through the machine at a turnstile that you pass through. You look for the entrance in the subway that you want to take depending on the direction you are going. There is subway maps positioned in key areas of the subway area for you to look at. If you are going uptown in New York City, first go to the subway entrance that says "Uptown." Another entrance will say "Downtown" if you wish to go in the opposite direction that you came from.

A helpful tip is to acquire a subway map from the subway booth located underground in the subway system. You can also can the subway booth person for directions or for help. Looking at the subway map will help you navigate your way through New York City and specifically Manhattan which tourists love to see.

In order to find a subway train location, look for underground entrances that will say "Subway" on a black sign. Stairs will lead underground to the subway trains. The Subway entrance will also say what trains you can find in that particular. Sometimes the destination you are seeking cannot be obtained through the trains at the station and you will have to look for another subway entrance that will not be far away to find the train that takes you to your destination.

In the 1980s and early 1990s, the subways did have a lot of crime with pick pocketing and people getting mugged. That all changed when Mayor Rudolph Giuliani took office in the mid 1990s. Now policemen are everywhere and it is very safe.

You will also see people panhandling the subways for money but you are better off ignoring them because panhandling for money is illegal anyway. In the subways, you will hear music playing by live musicians who are trying to earn some money. There are also small stands that sell newspapers and drinks for customers.

As you can see, taking the trains is a great way of saving money and commuting in New York City.