| I used to be really frightened of the New York City | | | | uptown or downtown. Once you see a subway |
| subway system. I had lived for a while in Boston | | | | entrance, check the sign above the stairs of the stop |
| previous to moving to NYC and Boston's simple 5 line | | | | to see if it's the correct one you need. If not, there |
| color coded, reliable system seemed like a whole other | | | | should be another subway entrance on the opposite |
| futuristic world compared to the horror stories I'd | | | | corner of the street for you to use. |
| gotten into my head about New York's canceled | | | | 4. You usually do not have to pay again if you go in |
| subway lines, indecipherable radio announcements and | | | | the wrong entrance - If you do happen to go down |
| stopping service on random days to leave people | | | | the wrong flight of stairs and you already put your |
| stranded ... not to mention Godzilla. | | | | ticket or Metrocard through the turnstile only to look up |
| Luckily, I was forced by sheer necessity to start using | | | | and realize you're on the wrong platform, don't freak |
| the subway and I found it to actually be quite nice and | | | | out! Look up and see if you see a sign directing to |
| organized. I don't expect you to just take my word for | | | | another subway line (not an exit to street). If you don't |
| it though, so here are some great tips I found to make | | | | see any signs, walk towards the other end of the |
| me feel more secure and prepared to use this huge | | | | underground platform to see if you find a flight of |
| underground transit system. | | | | stairs, usually these will lead to the other side of the |
| 1. Look for online resources to help you out - I doubt | | | | tracks (the platform for trains going in the opposite |
| anyone, even people who have lived in NYC their | | | | direction). Just make sure you don't go through a |
| whole lives, have memorized every subway line's | | | | turnstile of any kind, because that means the exit goes |
| stops and times, so don't be embarrassed to help | | | | towards the street and you will have to pay a second |
| yourself out: look at maps or plan a route in advance. I | | | | time. |
| found which tells you how to get from any address to | | | | 5. When you hear a train coming, keep your eyes |
| another address in New York City by subway. It even | | | | open - As the train approaches, look at the front of it |
| asks you the day of the week and time you are | | | | (where the driver sits) as it moves towards you and |
| traveling so it can take into account diversions from | | | | you will see a number or letter in a circle posted on it. |
| the normal schedules. AND you can specify whether | | | | That tells you which train it is. This is important to take |
| you would prefer more walking time and fewer | | | | note of because sometimes multiple trains will use the |
| transfers or less walking time and more transfers. I'm | | | | same track at once (For example, first an A train will |
| sure there are lots of other sites that are helpful as | | | | pass, then a C and then finally the E train you wish to |
| well. | | | | take). If you miss the beginning of the train, you might |
| 2. Pay attention to posted signs - Yes, occasionally | | | | also see paper signs or computerized signs on the |
| certain lines are taken out of service or changed or | | | | sides of the cars that will let you know which train it is. |
| expressed when they used to be local, etc. However, | | | | If you don't even see one of those signs, no, you don't |
| in almost all cases, these changes are made on a | | | | have to wait 8 hours for the next train, hop on really |
| specific schedule and are clearly posted. Look above | | | | fast and look at the map on the interior of the subway |
| the platform you are standing on for notices about | | | | wall - it will tell you what the next stop is (if you know |
| weekend vs weekday vs evening times - if the line | | | | what stop it should be for the train you need to take) |
| you were getting ready to take isn't operating, the sign | | | | or you can scan it to see if your stop is listed for that |
| will tell you which to use instead (often it just means | | | | line. If not, get off! |
| using the track behind you). If you still feel nervous, you | | | | 6. If you do get on a wrong train, it happens to |
| might also want to check to see if any posters were | | | | everyone. Get off at the next stop and pull out your |
| put up with changes, they are usually next to where | | | | map to find the next closest stop for the line you were |
| you would buy a ticket - although I find these | | | | supposed to take so that you can continue your trip. |
| overwhelming since they're usually crammed in next to | | | | While you're waiting for the next stop to arrive though, |
| flyers for lost dogs and pianos for sale. As a last | | | | you may want to check to see if the train you're on |
| resort, you can always ask the person in the ticket | | | | stops anywhere near where you were trying to go, |
| information booth for help or someone else waiting on | | | | many stops are within a few blocks walk from one |
| the platform (not all New Yorkers are as mean as | | | | another; you may be able to stay on the train you're |
| their reputation, but you're probably still better off | | | | already on. If you end up far from any other subway |
| making this a last resort anyway). | | | | station, you can also try backtracking, but remember to |
| 3. Remember that not all subway stops are alike - | | | | keep an eye on those signs! |
| You can save yourself a lot of hassle if you choose | | | | Once you're safely on your way, find an available seat |
| the right steps to walk down from the beginning. First | | | | or stand up and hold on to a pole for a real New York |
| determine what line you need to take (it can be a | | | | subway experience. I hope you wore comfortable |
| number or a letter). Next figure out if you're going | | | | shoes. Enjoy your trip to the big apple! |