Tips for Traveling on the New York City Subway System

The New York City Subway system is a huge rapid transit system that celebrated its centenary in 2004. First put into operation in 1904, the NYCS is one of the world's most extensive public transport systems in combination with its bus operations. The system is comprised of 468 stations, with 277 of them underground. Although called "the subway," implying underground operations, almost half of the system runs on above-ground rights-of-way, that includes steel and occasionally cast iron elevated structures, concrete viaducts, earthen embankments, open cuts and surface routes. Although the system has over 800 miles of track, it uses only 660 miles at present. During its opening, it had only nine miles of track. Fares when operation first began were a mere sum of five cents. Today, the system has more than 31,000 turnstiles and 734 information booths. Running 24 hours a day, the New York City subway system is used by almost 4.5 million passengers everyday. It costs you less than a taxi ride and serves almost all the places you would like to visit. The apparent complexity of a subway map often puts uninitiated visitors off and they hail a taxi instead. However, if you follow some simple guidelines, you won't feel nervous and be well on your way while others are stuck in traffic.

To begin with, get hold of a good map as you must know where you are to know where you are heading to. The map will give you a sense of direction. You will find maps of the subway system near the entrances of subway stations. In addition to showing the subway system, there is often a neighborhood map that shows the streets in the area in detail. So, if you're lost near a subway station, you can always duck in and check out a map to find your way around. Entrances are located on street corners with a staircase for descending into the station. If you want to reach a certain subway station, know the number or letter of the train that you are trying to take. The colors are meant to make reading subway maps easier to read, not for identifying specific trains. A number of trains run on the colored "lines."

If you find a station marked with a large green ball, you can purchase a MetroCard inside. However, if a station is marked with a red ball, you must already have a MetroCard to get in. A MetroCard will allow one free transfer within two hours of first swiping your card. You can transfer from Bus to Subway, Subway to Bus, Bus to Bus, or between select Subway stations. If you take the subway one way and decide to travel by bus back, you are entitled to get two rides for one fare. You cannot, however, transfer between buses going in opposite directions. Children with a height of 44 inches or below are allowed to ride at no cost. An unlimited day-pass or a multiple-ride pass will prove cheaper if you intend to ride the subway several times. If you want to reach your destination faster, use an express instead of a local train as it makes fewer stops.

Some subway stations have separate entrances for trains running uptown and downtown. As you cannot get a refund once you swipe your card, always check the sign to make sure you are at the right entrance. You can also ask an attendant for help if you are confused about where to enter. If you can't find a seat, hold on to a pole to keep steady and avoid the embarrassment of falling on a fellow passenger. But leaning on a pole is a big no-no, as it prevents others from holding on to it. Keep your bag on your lap or on the floor in front of you even when the subway is not very crowded. It is better to move to the center of the car to help people getting on and off the train. You should remember that most stations, with the exception of some new ones, are not handicapped accessible.

The subway is widely considered an integral part of the city and has had a place in New York's popular culture for at least three quarters of a century. Criminal activities and graffiti were a feature of the subway through the 1980s, but those things have thankfully subsided. The subway has been featured in music, films and even the series of baseball games between New York City teams are referred to as Subway Series. Basketball and ice hockey fans also use the subway to see their favorite teams in action.