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NYC Subways

Posted on 5/23/24 at 12:08 pm
Posted by facher08
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2011
5628 posts
Posted on 5/23/24 at 12:08 pm
I thread from November of 2022 seemed to indicate that using the subways was fine as long as you didn't make eye contact and were always aware of your surroundings, however, I've heard from a few New Yorkers recently that it has gotten pretty sketchy.

I have a trip scheduled at the end of next month, and would still like to take advantage of the convenience. Has anyone used it recently that could testify?
Posted by AbitaFan08
Boston, MA
Member since Apr 2008
27902 posts
Posted on 5/23/24 at 12:15 pm to
You will be fine. I use the subway every time I’m in New York and have never felt in danger.

That said, be smart. If it’s after midnight, maybe take an Uber.

You’ll definitely see some characters though.
Posted by CWilken21
Gnawlins
Member since Mar 2005
4131 posts
Posted on 5/23/24 at 12:58 pm to
We used google maps last time there and they give you the exact information needed to easily get into and out of the station. Made it quick and easy to get in and out without much standing around. Only saw a few nutcases and they were harmless.

Agree with the sentiment of being smart though - definitely use uber late at night
Posted by hoopsgalore
Chicago, IL
Member since Nov 2013
9034 posts
Posted on 5/23/24 at 1:24 pm to
I frequently ride the F, G and L trains when I'm visiting my parents / extended family. Have never felt an ounce of concern for my well-being. Never want to speak in absolutes, but you don't have to extend yourself past standard precautions.
Posted by S
RIP Wayde
Member since Jan 2007
168946 posts
Posted on 5/23/24 at 4:18 pm to
My sister and 5 year old niece ride 5 days or more a week

If you have any experience of functioning in an urban environment you’ll be fine.
Posted by NOLALGD
Member since May 2014
2694 posts
Posted on 5/23/24 at 4:51 pm to
The subway is safe and fine anywhere in the City, just about any time of day or night.

Only time I would be extra aware is a late, late night trip to a destination outside of Manhattan where you might be the only person on a train car. In that case I would walk to a car where other people are sitting.

Posted by RummelTiger
Official TD Sauces Club Member
Member since Aug 2004
93023 posts
Posted on 5/23/24 at 8:01 pm to
Just Uber...
Posted by CaptainJ47
Gonzales
Member since Nov 2007
7716 posts
Posted on 5/24/24 at 6:36 am to
Perfectly fine. My 21 year old daughter has been navigating them solo. As others mentioned just pay attention. Know where you are going. Don’t stand on the platform edge. If someone is loud in a car then get out and get on the next car.
Posted by tylerlsu2008
Monaco
Member since Jul 2015
1514 posts
Posted on 5/24/24 at 10:07 am to
quote:

thread from November of 2022 seemed to indicate that using the subways was fine as long as you didn't make eye contact and were always aware of your surroundings, however, I've heard from a few New Yorkers recently that it has gotten pretty sketchy.


This is all dramatization

It’s fine. I’d argue you’re safer on NYC subways than walking around NOLA.

Keep your head on a swivel if see you see someone crazy on the platform, but they usually make themselves known pretty quickly via neurotic behavior and yelling.
Posted by NOLALGD
Member since May 2014
2694 posts
Posted on 5/24/24 at 11:05 am to
quote:

Know where you are going. Don’t stand on the platform edge. If someone is loud in a car then get out and get on the next car.


Good advice. In the old days inexperienced subway users like myself had to print out something from map quest or look at a subway map before walking in the station.

Today, google maps, transitapp, and other universal mapping/mobility apps have made taking transit everywhere easier than ever. You don't even need a MTA card, can tap to pay at every subway station and on every bus in the City.
Posted by TheChosenOne
Member since Dec 2005
18851 posts
Posted on 5/24/24 at 11:50 am to
I live here with three kids and take the subway everywhere. You are probably riding the tourist lines in Manhattan (123, 456, & maybe NQRW) and will be fine. Sure you may see some homeless, but as others have said, just keep your eyes up and don't stand next to the edge. There are a lot of cops on those trains and in those stations these days.


Posted by Twenty 49
Shreveport
Member since Jun 2014
20869 posts
Posted on 5/25/24 at 10:54 am to
A guy has a great primer on how to use the NYC subway, and he keeps it updated.

How to Ride the NYC Subway: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to the New York Subway

Citymapper and Google Maps (I think) will let you pick a destination and give you options on exactly which subway entrance to use, how long until the train arrives, etc. I also used the apps to ride NYC buses all over town.
Posted by dirtsandwich
AL
Member since May 2016
6523 posts
Posted on 5/25/24 at 8:17 pm to
quote:

You don't even need a MTA card, can tap to pay at every subway station and on every bus in the City.

I didn’t know this. Useful info for my next trip. Here is info for anyone who is interested.

https://new.mta.info/fares/omny
Posted by AbitaFan08
Boston, MA
Member since Apr 2008
27902 posts
Posted on 5/25/24 at 8:22 pm to
Yes the new system is so much better. They have them in Boston now as well.
Posted by dirtsandwich
AL
Member since May 2016
6523 posts
Posted on 5/25/24 at 8:27 pm to
That’s great. And it also caps at $34 a week. I like it.
Posted by NOLALGD
Member since May 2014
2694 posts
Posted on 5/26/24 at 9:23 am to
The tap pay systems are game changers, most of non-regular transit users issues are figuring out how much a fare cost and how to pay.
Posted by JodyPlauche
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2009
9788 posts
Posted on 5/27/24 at 5:05 pm to
Posted by JodyPlauche
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2009
9788 posts
Posted on 5/27/24 at 5:17 pm to
This video is great as well
This post was edited on 5/28/24 at 11:16 am
Posted by UnoDelgado
Covington
Member since Nov 2019
642 posts
Posted on 5/27/24 at 7:35 pm to
I rode twice last Thursday. It had been about 8 years since I last took the subway. I noticed more police. Everything was fine. The tap to pay is great.
Posted by Medtiger87
Member since Sep 2019
241 posts
Posted on 5/31/24 at 10:45 pm to
I’ve taken subways on all of my trips to nyc and I’ve felt fine riding solo and with my family. Within manhattan, to flushing meadows, to LGA and JFK. Be aware of your surroundings and use google maps or one of the other subway apps to navigate where you’re going. Be prepared to sit in traffic if you take taxis /Ubers. I don’t recommend those unless late at night, like others have said.
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