New York City By Subway

The subway, which has been operating for 105 years, is the transportation lifeline of New York. Each day, some 4.5 million people move through the city’s 468 stations, riding the air-conditioned cars of the largest subway car fleet in the world. The subway covers its 660 miles of tracks 24hr. per day, 365 days per year, with only minor service changes. In addition, be aware that certain lines only operate at night or during the weekend.

On the whole, the subway remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective methods of transportation in New York. The fare is less than the starting price of a taxi. The subway is the best way to travel long distances north-south, especially when the city above is crowded by traffic. Once inside, a passenger may transfer onto other trains without restrictions. Free subway maps are available at station booths; additional copies are posted in all stations and cars.

In Manhattan, the biggest subway hubs are 42nd St./Grand Central on the East Side and 42nd St./Times Square on the West; these stops are connected by the 7 and S trains. The subway is much more useful for traveling north-south than east-west, but crosstown shuttle buses run on several streets, including 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, 57th, 79th, and 86th St. Express trains stop only at certain major stations; locals stop everywhere. Be sure to check the letter or number and the destination of each train, since trains with different destinations often use the same track.

Subway entrances are indicated by clearly labeled signs and stairs. Often, downtown and uptown lines will have entrances on opposite sides of the street. There are lit glass globes outside some entrances. Green means that the entrance is staffed 24hr., while red indicates that the entrance is closed or restricted in some way, usually during nighttime hours.

Watch Out On The Weekend. Don’t let the subway foil your next weekend getaway. The B, V, W, and Z subway trains run only on the weekdays.

Although some buses accept exact change, you won’t be able to get on the subway without a MetroCard. The magnetic-strip card, first introduced in 1995, is sold in all subway stations and at newsstands, pharmacies, and grocery stores with MetroCard stickers in the storefront windows. Subway and bus fare is $2 per ride with the MetroCard, but the Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard gets you 20% credit automatically added after you spend $10—such as 12 rides for the price of 10. MetroCards can conveniently be used for subway-bus, bus-subway, subway-subway, and bus-bus transfers. When you swipe the card on the initial ride, a free transfer is electronically stored on your MetroCard and is good for up to 2hr. Without the MetroCard, bus-subway and subway-bus transfers are not free.

“Unlimited Rides” MetroCards (as opposed to “Pay-Per-Ride” cards) are sold in one-day Fun Pass ($7), 7-Day Unlimited Ride ($24), and 30-Day Unlimited Ride ($81) denominations, and are good for unlimited use of the subway and bus systems during a specified period. Unlimited Ride cards are a good deal for tourists who plan on visiting many sights. Riders who are over 65 or disabled qualify for a Reduced Fare card; visit www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/fare/rfindex.htm for details.

Pay Up-Front To Save. Many tourists are turned off by the high cost of Unlimited-Ride MetroCards, and assume that they’re not a good value in most cases. Before you jump to any conclusions, remember that the subway in New York isn’t cheap, however you pay for it. Each individual trip costs $2. If you’ll be making more than four trips in a day (which many tourists do), you’ll save by buying the one-day pass. Your saving will be more substantial if you buy an Unlimited Ride MetroCard that covers a longer period.

Safety

The subway has become safer in recent years. Even so, it is not without its frustrations and occasional dangers. Cars can be rerouted for servicing, leaving you stranded, so keep an eye on service advisories posted throughout stations. Since trains and riders decrease at night, it’s advisable—and often quicker—to take a cab after 11pm. On more remote routes, certain stations can be dangerous, especially after dark. If the neighborhood you are heading toward is safe, however, there is a better chance that the subway station will be safe as well. Central Manhattan is generally considered safe at all hours.

In general, stay away from the platform’s edge, and board the train during non-rush hours from the off-peak waiting area, marked at the center of all platforms. This area is monitored by cameras, and the conductor’s car stops here. Once you board, stay near the middle to be close to the conductor. During rush hour, hold your bag with the opening facing you to discourage pickpockets.