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Video: Watch Self-Absorbed New Yorkers Block The Subway Doors
By
Jen Carlson
Published Sep 20, 2018
Modified Sep 20, 2018
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Sep 20, 2018
Modified Sep 20, 2018
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One thing the MTA's 10-year Fast Forward plan won't fix is the etiquette of the average New York City rider. That is up to the rest of us. Including you, obliviously standing in the door as people are trying to get on and off that godforsaken train car.
We recently asked filmmaker Jeff Seal to get out there and document subway door blockers in action, and he came back with plenty of footage of offenders (and a couple of heroes), which we've compiled in the video below. Viewing note: Please turn the volume down and play the "Where Is My Mind?" cover from The Leftovers instead (which we did not have the rights to use, but really captures the feeling of subway frustration quite nicely).
Now, we understand that leaning on the subway doors can be a preferred position on the train car, but if you want to stand there it comes with responsibility. The responsibility to get the hell out of the way when people are having trouble getting on and off the train. Sometimes this just means shifting your body so your back isn't facing the open door for a moment. Sometimes this means briefly getting off the train. And sometimes this means trying to move further in to the train car, giving up your precious door spot. Some trains even have mats with arrows to help you out, because subway analysts say "dwell time"—the amount of time a train spends in a station as passengers enter and exit—is a major factor in subway delays.
(Scott Lynch / Gothamist)
Look at all those choices you have in doing the right thing. Keep them in mind next time. Be polite, and together, we can help make our commutes less frustrating.
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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