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11 simple etiquette rules for riding the New York City subway
By
Nick Leighton
Published Aug 29, 2024
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By
Nick Leighton
Published Aug 29, 2024
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The only thing better than being invited somewhere is being invited back. So I'm delighted to return to Gothamist to discuss a perennial topic of etiquette concern: the New York City subway.
The overarching principle is this: You are not alone on the subway. In fact, millions of people ride the city’s mass transit each day, and with just so many passengers, it’s no surprise then that there are going to be some etiquette … concerns.
But whether or not you can fondly recall the 9 train, or are just visiting the city for the first time, we could all use a refresher on how to use the subway politely. Here are 11 ideas to make the experience more pleasant.
1.Remember: bags are not people.
I know your bag has had a long day, but your bag is not a person and therefore doesn’t get a seat of its own.
2. Do not photograph your fellow passengers.
Rare is the person who is thrilled to be photographed in public without warning by a stranger. And who among us always feels camera-ready on the subway? But if you’ve got a kind reason to want to snap a photo of someone, such as an amazing fashion moment that simply must be documented, just be sure to request permission first.
3. On the escalator, walk left, stand right.
This is not controversial. Escalators run like a highway: The fast lane is on the left and the slow lane is on the right. You wouldn’t park in the fast lane when driving, would you? Of course you wouldn’t! So, no matter how tired you are exiting the A train at Jay Street, just be mindful of where you’re standing and of those behind you who want to pass.
4. Leave the clippers at home.
Please save all your nail trimming for a more private place, out of view and earshot of others. However, health and safety always trump etiquette, so if you have a true nail emergency and simply must trim it with clippers in public, well, then have at it. But under no circumstances are we leaving the clippings on the train floor or making fellow passengers recoil in horror at the thought that a stray piece of nail may go airborne and land on them.
5. If your meal requires utensils, save it for after the train.
There’s eating and then there’s eating. Many transit systems around the world prohibit food and drink, so New Yorkers are very lucky to be able to ride with a beverage or snack. But with great privilege comes great responsibility, so it’s important to keep your crumbs and smells contained within your personal bubble. A cup of coffee with a lid or a handheld pastry with the flakes landing back in the bag? No problem! Hard-boiled eggs with the shells tossed onto the subway floor as you go? Please don't! And if you need utensils, you probably need to eat aboveground. Your neighbors will thank you.
6. Don’t be a pole hog.
Everything on the subway is a shared resource, including the poles. Don’t lean against them with your body or backpack if there are other people around.
7. Don’t grab the pole after a sneeze, please.
While we’re on the subject, please don’t sneeze directly into your hand and then immediately grab the pole. “That doesn’t really happen,” you say? Oh, I’ve seen it and I don’t care for it. So while of course I’m going to wash my hands after I ride the subway no matter what, I would still really love it if you would make it easier for me to pretend as if the pole I’m grabbing isn’t totally covered in germs.
8. Pay it forward.
We’ve all been on a subway car with a broken A/C — or worse. When making the dash to another subway car, give a heads-up to those about to board the affected car so they have the option to follow your lead before they’re stuck underground.
9. Avoid spoilers.
Given that we’re often inches away from other people on the train, it can be impossible to escape strangers’ conversations, despite our best efforts. With this in mind, just know that not everyone among the hundreds around you has had a chance to see last night’s “Love Island” and might be very disappointed that you spilled all the juicy details about that bonkers recoupling after Casa Amour.
10. Remember: the doorway is not a line of scrimmage.
Although this was clearly discussed in my previous article, it has recently come to my attention that some people are still not letting passengers off the train first before trying to get on. As a society, we don’t have to agree on everything, but we do need to agree on the same universal laws of physics. And until the MTA figures out how to use quantum tunneling, we simply have no choice but to accept that we cannot pass through solid objects, including other humans.
11. If you’re going to listen to music or watch a show, wear headphones.
We all have different tastes and there’s no need for you to like any of the music, games, or videos that I like … and vice versa. So, let’s make a deal: I promise to never let you hear what’s coming out of my phone if you promise to do the same. Agree?
Nick Leighton is co-host of the podcast "Were you Raised by Wolves?" Have an “only-in-New-York” etiquette question for Gothamist? Let us know.
Tagged
new york city
etiquette
Nick Leighton
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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