So, in keeping with my theme of successfully making my way around the city this summer, I felt the need to publicly vent about subways.
Yes, I know everyone loves them and they're so great for the city and all, but like most things, they do have some cons. And I'm not saying I dislike them all the time, but there are certainly a few experiences that I can recall that have been rather unpleasant. Of course I know that subways are underground transportation and thus are not intended to be glamorous in any way and I'm not asking them to be, because I guess that would take away a lot of the commute charm.
Like most people, I agree that the subway system is extremely convenient, efficient, and easy. However, I think that a lot of people need to brush up on their subway commute etiquette.
Okay, fine, nobody has ever licked me on the subway, but that's not to say I haven't had some irritating experiences.
There are some times when you have to pack into the subway cars and it's pretty terrible. Now, I usually am pretty chill with being around people in close proximity, but that's usually with people I know or have some connection with... when you're stuffed in a subway car with strangers, it's kind of a different ball game.
You are packed in there like sardines and it is never pleasant. People always seem to forget about hygiene and it makes the experience way worse. As if it's not already bad enough that you're breathing down each other's necks, some fellow commuters forget about how to be considerate--they fail to shave their arm pits, don't wear deodorant, eat smelly food and talk way too loudly.
And for the days when you're forcibly packed in like sardines, some people even disregard all manners and push around like they own the place and that isn't very fun to deal with.
Some ignore the obvious line that is waiting to board the subway (and sometimes it really sucks and it's so packed that you physically cannot fit in, so you have to wait) and shove their way to the front, thinking that they're the only ones that have somewhere to be...not a cool move, not cool at all.
Another thing that's kinda both a pro and con of the subway system is: where do you look?!
I love people watching just as much as the next person, but on the subways, I usually try to keep it to a minimum. This is because there are passengers from all walks of life on there, and some people simply hate being looked at, if even for a second. I certainly don't enjoy being stared at by strange men on the subway because who would? Thus, it's sometimes a game to try your best to keep your eyes from wandering because you're traveling underground in a small car with these people and definitely shouldn't start any sort of beef. Besides, it's easy to stare at your phone these days!
However, it being said that you are underground, that means that cell service can suck sometimes. Thus the other side of people watching comes out and you have little to no choice but to embrace it. There are so many interesting and different people to watch, and it's purely entertaining. You're likely never ever going to see any of these people again, so you figure why not secretly observe them as your activity to past the time?!
Both methods are acceptable, and it's up to you, of course!
(Image Source)
Lastly: the germs. Now I would not consider myself a germaphobe at all, but the subways do make me feel pretty icky. I mean, millions of people have been on them, touched the same poles that you do, and breathed the same air you have. People cough without covering their mouths, sneeze into their hand and then resume holding onto the pole, and kids pick their nose and touch everything. Yeah, it's gross, and you wish you could disinfect everything, but you can't. I always do my best to wash my hands or use sanitizer once I get off the subway, because #health.
Overall, I do enjoy riding the subway because it's a different experience each time and it's extremely convenient, but it does have its drawbacks.
So sure, it can sometimes it can be a really rough ride, and you just think to yourself "wow this needs to go faster... I need to get out of here," so when it's finally your stop and the doors open up, you bust out of there feeling amazing.
