The subway system of the MTA is the most popular route of transportation in New York City. Unlike most cities in the United States, the average New Yorker doesn’t necessarily need an automobile to get around due to the convenience of the trains and buses. If you live in New York City or know someone that does, the chances are quite high that you have heard complaints about the experience of riding the train.
Most issues are caused by fellow passengers that struggle to follow common courtesy of respecting their peers. We will look at some guidelines that one should know before using the subway system. These are things you should avoid when hoping to not annoy others in the same train car. Find out what common things passengers often forget with ten unwritten rules about riding the NYC subway system.
10 Let people off the train before going in
One of the most important unwritten rules takes place at the start of your transit when getting on the train. The common courtesy is to allow those getting off the train to leave before those on the platform enter the car.
This makes the most sense to avoid congestion and awkwardly trying to squeeze past each other. Everyone walking off the train should leave the car before people on the platform enter and start looking for seats or a standing area.
9 Don't take up extra seating space
The case of “manspreading” has seen New York City residents get angry at those who intentionally spread their legs out while sitting on the train. It ensures they’ll have two-to-three seats for themselves. Another common annoyance is when passengers place their bags on seats instead of the floor area.
The magic of the subway system is that it is equally meant for everyone that pays the MetroCard fare. Anyone taking extra space by choice is being inconsiderate and should earn years worth of bad karma when it comes to public transportation.
8 Free a seat for the elderly or disabled
The MTA airs prerecorded messages reminding passengers to give their seat up to anyone in need. We all want to get a comfortable seat and relax on the way to our destination, but sometimes human ethics are worth more than comfort.
The average person should give up their seat if they see someone elderly, disabled, or pregnant looking for a place to sit. It is the right thing to do if that person is in need of the seat more than you. Don’t be that person who leaves an elderly person standing during a rocky train ride.
7 Don't block the subway map
The subway maps on the trains and platforms provide huge help for those trying to find their correct route. Tourists will often use them, while the average New Yorker may need the occasional reminder when visiting new parts of the city.
Anyone that blocks the subway map while standing should be aware that it may need to be viewed. The best bet would be to ensure you’re never directly blocking the map. These maps are there to help people rather than to be used as a spot to lean on.
6 Stand on one side of the escalators
Many of the biggest train stations in New York City have an escalator for passengers to get in and out of the station. An unwritten rule for escalators in the subway, and quite frankly anywhere else, is to move to one side of the elevator so that the other is open for those needing to get by faster.
The idea of people lounging on both sides is quite depressing and frustrating, especially for those with little time to spare before their train departs for its next stop.
5 Don't block the doors during stops
The subway doors are often a comfortable spot to lean on when the train is in motion. You get some legroom and there is usually a pole to hold onto if the ride gets rocky. There is nothing wrong with standing in that area unless you refuse to move when the train reaches a stop.
While the spot has its positives, it also comes with the negative of having to move to ensure people can get in and out of the train. Anyone refusing to move to keep their spot is just ruining the transit experience for everyone else.
4 If Possible, Help Those Who Are Lost
Being a good human being is also a part of the transportation process. Every day, many tourists and people new to New York City get lost trying to figure out the transit system. MTA delays and changes can also cause an app to give out incorrect information.
If you see another person struggling in a train station or neighborhood that you are familiar with, it would be cool to help them out. While simple for those accustomed to New York's subway system, it can be quite difficult to navigate for those trying to figure it out for the first time.
3 Don't have phone calls on the train
The phone service continues to improve underground in various stations. We can agree it’s a huge positive when we get to check our email or social media feed when the service is open, but there are also some negatives.
Some folks don’t care about the experience of others when they have a loud phone conversation in public. The train confines everyone together in the same car for as long as the ride lasts. Don’t be the person arguing with your friend about what to eat for dinner while others try to avoid making eye contact.
2 Standers Leave First
Passengers that get a seat on the train should be mindful of there position when getting off the train. Wait until the stop is made before walking directly to the door. Those other passengers who are standing should get first access to the door if they are in front of you.
This unwritten rule is most important when on the last stop of a train. If everyone is getting off at the same time, there is no reason for you to get out of your seat to jump in front of those standing for the entire trip just to beat them out of the door. You already won by having a comfortable seat.
1 Don't play music without headphones
The worst thing one can do on the train is to play music without headphones. Everyone has, at least once, forgotten their headphones at home and had to deal with the annoyance of not having music for the transit ride.
You only have two realistic options in that scenario – you either buy a cheap pair of headphones to use for the day or don’t listen to music at all. Anyone playing music without headphones is forcing others to listen to their songs of choice. That is enough to become hated by everyone on your train.