The quickest way to get around NYC (Subway New York City)

Member Name: Ljg1006

Product:	Subway New York City
Date:	09/06/09 (14 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quick, cheap, safe

Disadvantages: Platforms can get hot in summer, line closures due to repairs, delayed trains

The New York City subway covers nearly all of the boroughs, apart from Staten Island (see Staten Island Ferry). It runs all day every day, although in the evening the trains are less frequent.

The subway is made up of a number of lines that are either represented with a number or a letter (unlike London). Where a station has more than one different numbered train stopping at it (i.e. the lines cross) you may make a free transfer between trains, to enable you to get to your destination.

The Main Entrances to all the subways are always open, however, smaller side entrances may close at certain times of the night at small stations. When you enter a subway station you will find, in most cases a token booth (usually manned by an unhelpful mta employee!), ticket machines, where you can purchase your Metrocards and pay with cash or cards, and the turnstiles that take you through to the platforms. There is also a huge map of the subway system so you can check you're on the right track (literally!), if you want your own subway or bus map, the clerk has these in the booth -- they are available for free.

You will need to purchase a MetroCard before going through the turnstiles. These are available in different formats depending on how often you will use the subway and how long your stay is - I've always used the $25 7 day pass (even when only going for 4 days) as I find that I use the subway a lot! More information on the fares available can be found here: http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/mta/09/
Once you have purchased your metrocard you swipe it at the turnstile and you should be able to go through. If the machines says swipe again do so a little quicker but if it keeps on saying this see the person at the token booth in case there's a problem with the card.

Some turnstiles at smaller station take you straight out on the platform, others involve stairs and walking. Some stations, for example 42nd Street have a lot of platforms so make sure you follow the signs to the right one and double check once you're on the platform by looking above you where overhead they have signs. Remember uptown is North (towards Harlem) and downtown is South (towards the financial district)

The NYC Subway systems aren't known by colours but by numbers or letters. There are also express as well as local trains. An express train will skip certain stations and generally only stops at the major ones, the local train will stop at every station on that line. Make sure you are on the correct train. As the train pulls in to the station there is a circle by the front drivers window with the number/letter of the train on it, it is also displayed on each carriage. If you are unsure shout out, New Yorkers, despite their reputation are very friendly and helpful - just shout in to the carriage does this go to 42nd (or wherever) and you'll normally get a reply. If you get on the wrong train dont panic just get off at the next stop and go back again.

I've travelled on the subway by myself (female) and with others and have never felt unsafe, you do get a lot of homeless people riding on them but they never both you and you often get entertains who again will do their piece, come around with a collection tin and then move on - again they never hassle you. Be aware that there aren't many stations that have lifts or escalators so if you are disabled and or are travelling with children by yourself then the bus may be a better option. A subway map which highlights the disabled friendly stops can be found here: http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/maps/submap.htm

To plan your route check out www.hopstop.com which if you enter your starting and finishing destinations will work out which subway (or bus) routes you need to take.

One last thing is look out for the subway art - and I'm not talking graffiti. Art work can be found in many stations - here's a link for further information: http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/artwork My favourite is Life Underground at 14th Street and 8th Avenue Station.

Summary: Dont be afraid to use the subway it really is easy