Living in New York is so great in so many ways. Yes, rent (and everything else...except pizza) is expensive, but there are so many benefits we have here: one of them being the subway system.
Now, is our subway system perfect? Absolutely not. I miss my Japan days (see photo below) of taking their trains SO much because people have what's called common courtesy. I actually kind of have a love/hate relationship with the whole system here in New York. Some things are out of my control like the trains being delayed or having to wait in hellish temperatures in the summer for the next train for a whole 8 minutes. But overall, taking the train>driving. No traffic. You can look down at your phone. Catch up on emails and reading. It's easily accessible from anywhere in the city*. You don't have road raging going on. No car insurance. I have personally enjoyed using the subway for my transit. Yes, some (boujee) people think it's disgusting and only take Ubers, so they're not welcome to this post. (Also yes I know we're not riding the subway right now amidst this pandemic...please STAY AWAY. For now, just enjoy this post)
*except now things are harder with a stroller...hello, stairs.
I rode the subway almost every day for about a year and a half before having Cooper and there are definitely things that start to bother you. There are common courtesies that everyone who rides the subway knows about. The tourists basically ruin it for all of us so the next time you're in New York, read this and DON'T ruin it and cause a New Yorker to curse at you (this happens daily and I have heard some nasty things...we just want to get home, people, and not allow any idiots to get in our way).
So here is a list (with most including pics that I personally captured!) of things NOT to do when riding the New York City Subway. Enjoy!
#9 - TAKING UP ANOTHER SEAT WITH YOUR BAG
Okay, technically this one was on the bus but STILL. Public transit. Lady, do you realize that this is a crowded bus? Do you see people standing? Even if you don't, please move the bag. Hold it or put it on the bag holder! (this was a bus coming from the airport. there is plenty of space for bags). Don't do this on a bus or a train. Ever.
#8 TAKING UP TWO SEATS BY SITTING ON THE CRACK
Ok, hilarious because my husband is a culprit of this very thing. (But I'm sure he was just being a good dad and focused on our baby and wasn't thinking about it, so he's forgiven. It also seems that the woman next to him may have done the same thing so maybe it's not his fault). When you're sitting in between two spots, you are taking away a spot for someone who may need it or be super tired and wants to sit. Like is it that hard to sit in between the lines? How obnoxious if you're not. Also, how uncomfortable?
#7 - LETTING YOUR STUFF SPILL ONTO THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU
This kind of goes hand-in-hand with #9, but if you have a bag or purse, put it in the middle of your lap--not halfway onto me. I have a bag too and don't want other crap in my space.
#6 BEING DYSFUNCTIONAL IN THE DOORWAY AREA AS PEOPLE GET ON/OFF
Alright not gonna lie, this is a problem that a lot of New Yorkers have as well as the tourists. Maybe it's because I've seen it work in an orderly manner in another country but I BELIEVE we are capable of making this happen! When the train comes, WAIT to get on until everyone gets off. If you are on the train, LET PEOPLE THROUGH TO GET OUT. It's that simple!!
#5 BLOCKING THE POLES
This one might annoy me the most. Don't lean against the pole or grab the whole thing with your arm. People need to hold on to them when it's crowded or else they have to balance without falling over and not all people can do that! Again with the courtesy. Say it with me!
#4 EATING ON THE TRAIN
There are a few reasons I say this. 1) Certain foods smell and for people (especially sick or pregnant people) this can be gross. I don't want to smell your kimchi or dollar hot dog or anything else you have. 2) People spill. I don't want to walk on or sit in your chip crumbs or your spilled coffee. 3) Maybe I'm starving and actually want a slice of your pizza. You're making it worse. Just eat at home or in the restaurant.
#3 BLOCKING THE AISLE WITH YOUR STUFF
This picture isn't a great representation...and this person is trying, but you get the point. I know it's hard if you have a suitcase (or a stroller), but at least go to a place where it's not as crowded on the train. BUT if you have shopping bags, a larger bag that doesn't fit on your lap, etc., put it between your legs!!
See EXIBIT A :)
#2 BEING GROSS/DISGUSTING/ABHORRENT/A DISGRACE TO HUMANITY
I don't have any photos, but do have a nasty video of a dude that is picking at some wound on his leg and it's literally dripping blood. I also moved away right after I took the video. Social media is a terrible thing for me. Some other noteworthy things that I have personally witnessed and you should not do: picking your nose and wiping it somewhere on the train, coughing not into your elbow, sneezing out into the open (that one made me want to vomit), clipping your nails(!), not wearing shoes and socks, taking off your shirt to show people your infected wounds and THEN asking for money. Humans are truly disgusting. I mean we all have bodily functions, but please keep those things (FAR) away from the train.
#1 BEING A LAZY PIECE WHO WON'T PROACTIVELY GIVE A SEAT TO THOSE WHO NEED IT
Do you see these two people (besides the fact that the woman is wearing socks with sandals)? THEY'RE OLD. The man has a CANE. The priority seats are being taken up by YOUNG PEOPLE with (probably) NO PROBLEMS. After being pregnant, I will 10000% give up my seat for anyone who needs it. I'm talking pregnant, elderly, people with kids/baby, someone with a cast on their foot, crutches, or just looks like they're tired! I can stand for ~a half hour. It will be good for me anyways. But seriously. GET UP FOR THESE PEOPLE. You will add on points to your 'good ticker' for getting into heaven every time you do.
