The New York City Traveler

Subway Etiquette and Safety: From Straphangers to Pole Huggers

by Heather on May 24th, 2008

Yesterday I gave you the basics on how to navigate the Big Apple on the New York City subway.  Today, I cover the dos and don’ts of riding the subway to make certain that your ride is safe and pleasant.  

Etiquette  Manners are always important.  Though you may not see everybody follow these guidelines, they should!

• Don’t take up more than one seat.  Only lay down on the bench if you’re dead.
• Don’t ever stand in front of the doors.  When standing on the platform waiting to board the train, stand to the side of the doors.  When on the train, move to the middle of the car to stand.   
• Don’t be a pole hugger.  The pole is meant for more than one person to use.  You hold the pole, not wrap yourself around the pole.  One hand on the pole is sufficient.
• Don’t bring large luggage or strollers on the train.  If you have large items or excessive luggage, take a taxi.
• Do give the guy in the “map seat” a break.  Get a pocket subway map to plan your trip.  
• Do hold your backpack in front of you so you don’t hit people with it.
• Don’t be obnoxious on your cell phone.  Save your conversation for when you’re out of the station.
• Don’t listen to your iPod on maximum volume.  We don’t all share the same musical taste. 
• Don’t read large newspapers, like the New York Times on the train, its too big.  The New York Post, and the NY Daily News are of appropriate size to read on the subway.   
• Do buy your own New York Post so you don’t have to read over the shoulder of another passenger.
• Don’t bring your pet on the subway.  The other day I saw a 50 lb. dog with its own seat on a packed subway car.  Everybody was scowling before the clueless owner moved the 50 lb. dog onto her lap.
• Do give your seat to somebody in need, like the elderly or pregnant.  It’s just the right thing to do.
• Don’t hold the doors open.   It delays everybody and everybody hates that.  

Safety  For some, riding the the New York City subway is a frightening thought.  The subway can be a perfectly safe experience if you follow common sense rules.    

• Don’t ride in a subway car alone.  Besides, it’s just a little spooky.
• Do ride in a conductor’s car when there aren’t many people on the train.  You know these cars from the others because the conductors poke their head out the window at stops.
• Do take your time and don’t run.  According to the new posters in the stations, most people who are injured in subway-related accidents are victims of a fall when hurrying to get to a train. 
• Do keep your valuables close to you at all times.  Men: wallets in front pocket.  Women: a zippered purse. 
• Do be aware of your surroundings when you are riding the subway at night, especially when exiting the station.
• Do ride inside the subway cars.  This means don’t ride on cars, between cars, or ride holding onto the outside of the doors. 
• Don’t lean on the doors.  They’ve been known to unexpectedly open when the train was in motion. 
• Do follow the instructions of the conductor in an emergency.
• Don’t attempt to hold the doors open.  You really shouldn’t put that much trust into the 100+ year-old subway.  

Photo credit: sleeping/drunk/dead guy on subway Varmazis via Flickr; “Map Seat” Jakob via Flickr; dog on subway Micahel Brandon via Flickr; empty subway car Chung via Flickr. 

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POSTED IN: Getting Around - Local Transportation, Travel Tips - General Information