As someone who lives in New York City, I take the subway multiple times a day whether it’s to commute back and forth from work or to explore more of the city. And, as someone who is a commuter, I know all the struggles that come along with taking the subway. Don’t get me wrong, I am very grateful to live in a city with a vast subway system; it makes it convenient and easy to get around without the hassle of driving or the bank account draining experience of taking a taxi. However, even though the NYC subways make a lot of people’s lives easier, they can also be one of the most annoying places to be. Between crowded train cars, the horrible smells, and rat spotting, taking the subway isn’t always glamorous. But, if you take these pieces of advice with you next time you ride the rails, I promise you and everyone around you will have a better experience.
1. Don’t play music without headphones.
I don’t care if you’re listening to Views or Chance The Rapper, do not play your music out loud without headphones. Not only is it rude and unwanted but you are disrupting so many people’s lives just by blasting out your music. Do you think people who are going to work at 6am want to hear you singing along to Broadway tunes? No, no they do not.
2. Be mindful of your space.
I cannot tell you how many trains I couldn't step on to because people had their huge backpacks on or were blocking room because they wanted to have their bag in front of them. Please be courteous and hold your bag if you’re sitting and, if you’re standing, put the bag down between your legs. Do this one thing and poof! You just made room for five more people!
3. Watch the children.
I love kids; working as a camp counselor and being an older sister has shown me how amazingly smart and wickedly funny kids can be. And, the majority of the time, kids on the subway are super behaved and just stare in awe as they take everything in. However, there have been other times I’ve interacted with kids on the subway, and they have been all over the place, running from seat to seat, banging on the windows, or throwing their toys. In the past week I’ve been hit with three toys, two different balls, and a backpack. I know traveling with kids is hard but let’s not give them the free reign to do whatever they please in a confined space.
4. If the space doesn’t fit, don’t sit.
This has happened so many times and yet it still baffles me when it does occur. If the subway car is filled and you see a space between two people that looks like it was made for either a small dog or small child, do not ask the people if you can sit there. It’s hard enough to find a seat on the subway but to be squished between people just so you can sit on the edge of your seat is not benefitting anyone. Unless you have a serious and valid reason why you have to sit, just stand like the rest of us.
5. Remember, there is a time and place for performances.
I may be in the minority on this topic but I do not mind a performance on the subway. Whether it's singing, playing an instrument, or dancing, street performers can be wildly entertaining, especially if you are having a bad day. However, there is a time and place for those performances and rush-hour in a crowded train car is not the right one. One time, a car was so crowded and a group of boys still attempted to dance and one of them ended up hitting his head on the ceiling of the car during a trick. If performing in public is your thing, go ahead and live your life. But I would find better places to perform.
6. CLOSE. YOUR. LEGS.
Seriously?! Why are your legs so spread open? Are you about to give birth? Is it physically impossible for your legs to close? Please tell me what is going on and we can work on this issue together.
