The Tourist's Guide to the New York City Subway

In a large and often traffic-congested city like New York, traveling underground is the quickest and most efficient mode of transportation. And, as part of the MTA [Metropolitan Transportation Authority] NYC Transit, the subway is a real bargain. Buy an unlimited metrocard, for either one, 7, 14, or 30 days. With a little advance preparation, and patience, you will master the system in a short time. First, get a New York City subway map from any subway station, visitor center, or hotel concierge or travel desk, or download one from the MTA website.

The New York City Subway system consists of more than 20 lines, each with a letter or a number. On the map, each line has a color. Follow the colored line through each stop, or turn the map over for a listing of each line and the stops, connecting points [color-coded letter or number to the right] On the MTA website, you can download a map in PDF format, and print if you like. giBut the website has a wonderful interactive feature, which allows the user to click on any stop to bring up a page that displays the subway line[s] that services the stop you clicked on. Then, if you click on the letter or number, the route of the entire line, with connections, comes up. Some symbols you should know:

solid black circle -- 24-hour stop
half black/half white circle -- late-night and/or weekend service only

One more thng you should know that could be baffling to a subway beginner. "Downtown" in Manhattan means south, and "uptown" means north. So if you are on 42nd Street and want to go to 86th Street, you need to go uptown, and in reverse, downtown. This is important to know when you enter the subway station, so that you get on the train on the right platform, going in the right direction.

Some Important Subway Advice
The New York City Subway is cleaner and safer than ever. But a few common-sense precautions are in order. First of all, if you like to ride in comfort, try to avoid riding the subways during rush hours, when New Yorkers are going to and from work: 7:30am to 9:00am and 4:30pm to 6:30pm. During these times, if you do ride, you can expect to be packed in very uncomfortably. Don't expect to get a seat on the subway during rush hour.

Exercise precautions with your personal belongings. Keep purses, wallets, and electronics close to your body. Keep close watch on jewelry, watches, designer handbags, purchases you have made. Don't set bags down on another seat, or the ground, without holding them. When boarding a train late at night, look for the "designated late-night waiting area", which is usually near the token booth, and board a middle car, close to the conductor. If you see anybody suspicious in your car, quickly go to a different one at the next stop if possible. Most of all, pay the fare and don't jump turnstiles. There are undercover policemen everywhere waiting to catch fare-evaders. Most importantly: do as the locals do-- ride the subway and meet the real New Yorkers!