The New York City Metro Authority System, referred to as MTA by the locals, is one of the busiest public transit systems in the world. The subway is the most common way for New Yorkers to commute, often providing transportation for more than 3 million riders daily.
Though the subway is typically not too tricky to get the hang of, it can feel overwhelming at first. It comes as no surprise that navigating the subway during the busy NYC holiday season only makes it busier. Handle the stress of the MTA like a true New Yorker with these 10 tips for riding the subway and train during the holiday season.
10 Have Your Metro Card Ready
When swiping through the turnstiles at an MTA system, whether a bus or a subway, have a MetroCard in hand and ready to go.
There are often other people waiting to go through the turnstiles as well, and holding up the line because of scrambling through your wallet is a big no-no in New York. Keep in mind that New Yorkers are fast movers, so always be prepared to keep it moving.
9 Know How To Refill A MetroCard At A Machine
For visitors who need to add funds to their MetroCard, head to a trusted machine that can be found in most subway systems.
NEVER purchase a MetroCard from a person, and only ever purchase one from a machine.
While at the machine, have a card or cash ready to go to add the amount of funds.
If you plan to ride the subway frequently while visiting New York, it might be wise to purchase a weekly pass, as it offers an unlimited amount of rides.
8 Use A Smartphone Or Card To Tap To Pay
For travelers who want to take the eco-friendly route, ditch the MetroCard altogether and utilize the new Omny System where you can simply tap to pay, using either a credit card or a smartphone.
Simply approach the turnstile, tap the black box that says "OMNY," and be permitted to ride the subway.
7 Leave Earlier Than Seems Necessary
No one wants to be running to catch their subway or bus, so avoid it altogether by leaving earlier than you think you need to. If your train is coming in four minutes, and it's a three-minute walk to get there, assume you'll catch the next train.
Leave with ample time, so you don't feel rushed, and so you're not sprinting to catch the train, which can be quite dangerous to do. Most subways come quite frequently, so if you miss one, it's likely you won't have to wait too long to catch the next train or bus.
6 Check For Delays (And Have An Alternative Route In Mind)
Unfortunately, the MTA is notorious for delays. It is not an uncommon occurrence, and can be a real pain for New Yorkers on their everyday commute. Try not to get frustrated when the subway or bus is delayed, and instead, have an alternative route in mind.
Most major subway lines cross paths at some point, so riding an alternative train, while somewhat annoying, won't put the biggest dent in your day.
For example, stations such as West 4th Street, Times Square, Herald Square, and all 14th Street stations, have several connecting lines.
Worst case scenario, be prepared to walk a little bit further by exiting at a different station than you originally intended.
5 Do Not Stand By The Doors
"Stand clear of the closing doors, please," will be ringing in your head over and over long after you leave New York. This is because, every time a train is about to depart the station, the doors automatically close.
If someone is in the way of them, the train cannot move, further causing delays. Don't be that person; stand clear of the closing doors.
Sometimes, trains are so packed that standing near the doors is unavoidable, but if this is the case, make yourself small and get out of the way as a real New Yorker would.
4 Let People Off Before Stepping Onto The Train
There are many unwritten rules for riding the NYC subway, but one of the most profound unspoken rules of thumb is to let people off of the train before entering.
Stand on either side of the doors, make space for those exiting the train, and THEN step onto the train.
This simple rule is proper etiquette and will disguise even the most lost of tourists as a true New Yorker.
3 If Riding An Escalator In A Station, The Right Side Is For Standing, The Left Side Is For Walking
Most major subway stations are underground, and therefore, there are either stairs, elevators, or an escalator to get to them. For those who want to fully utilize the escalator and give their legs a break, stand to the right.
For those who want to physically walk down the moving escalator, the left side is your friend.
Don't stand next to a friend or family member or loved one side by side, and get out of the way for those who want to keep it moving.
2 Download The MYMta App
As mentioned above, the MTA is notorious for delays. The app, MYMta will alert travelers which lines are having issues and which lines are in good standing.
This can severely help plan your route when traveling through NYC, especially during a time as busy as the holidays.
Google Maps is also great for navigating the subway, however, it is not as accurate with delays as MYMta is.
1 Be Prepared To See Some Characters
Oh, the City of New York. There's a reason many film and television scenes depict the subway as a prime spot to see some characters.
Whether it's "showtime" dancers (a group, typically of young men, who dance on the trains), a homeless person, or simply someone talking to themselves, the best bet is to ignore whatever is going on.
Of course, when it comes to entertainment, you might be inclined to watch, but know that nothing in this world comes for free. After most performances on the subway, performers will walk around for tips.
If you enjoyed the show, don't be shy and have your cash ready!