Subway Etiquette

Inspired by my good friend Natalie's blog "Nattily Natalie" (you should check it out here: http://nattilynatalie.blogspot.com/) I've decided to write a little post on Subway etiquette after a particularly tiresome day riding the New York City rail. If you live in the city or are planning a visit, follow these helpful tips to have a less painful subway journey. You'll make yourself and those around you much happier!

• Please have your subway card out before you approach the turnstile. No one wants to wait while you dig through your bag. We all have places to be, which is why we're heading into the Subway. Step aside, find your card, then go right through.
• If you're not sure where your train is and your station is crowded (Times Square and Grand Central are particularly affected) - step aside, locate the nearest map or better yet MTA employee (they're everywhere) or a vendor selling papers and ask. Do not slam on your breaks while you're walking in a crowd. People will walk into you, and then you'll say well did you not see me? We saw you, but we are all walking and there's no warning for slamming on your breaks. Step to the side, collect your bearings, and take your time.
• When your train arrives, please let all exiting passengers off before you attempt to get on the train. This sounds obvious, but it is apparently painfully difficult in practice. On this note, do not wait in front of the doors - wait just to the side. Otherwise, people get off the train slower, you get on slower, thus making your wait longer than if you had stepped to the side.
• Please do not shove your fellow passengers getting on the train. There is usually room for everyone (unless it's 9am, in which case usually those closest to the doors will get on) - assuming my next tip is followed:
• Please step all the way into the train. If you know you need to get off at the next stop, let others file in ahead of you - if you're one of the last people on the train then you will be closer to the doors. Do not rush to be the first on the train and then try to stand right by the door. It's rude. 
• Please do not smush if the train is full. Another one will be along shortly. No one wants to be like sardines. If it looks full and there's an inch of space, that doesn't mean you will fit. This is another rule that is hard to follow, but will ultimately make everyone happier (I do follow this rule. I don't smush onto trains!).
• If the doors are closing - this is a tricky one to follow and I have been tempted many times - but please do not put a bag/backpack purse in to block the doors. If you are close and manage to get in while the doors are closing and you have one foot out or bag out, that happens (although people will still glare at you). In this case, the doors usually spring open and then close - a lot of time is not lost and people will get over it (because they've often done the same thing). But simply blocking the door means you're going to have to pry it open. And this can take a minute. This actually holds up the train and will really annoy your fellow passengers. In the end, it's a judgment call, but just remember you don't want to hold up the train. This causes delays, which end up annoying you!
• Unless you have a valid reason (note: valid means a physical limitation or not feeling well, not a choice to wear heels) please stand if there are those around you who need to sit more than you do. Wearing heels is your choice, but do not rush to grab a seat while you leave an elderly woman to stand. 
• When the train is in motion - hold onto something. You are not superman. You are not special. The trains move fast, they're also old and shake. You will stumble into someone. And/or you'll step on someone's feet. Or spill coffee on them. Or elbow them in the face. All of these things have happened to me. None of them are fun. There are plenty of bars to hold onto. Know your limitations, respect those around you, and hold on. Because if I see you standing there with a coffee in one hand and a kindle in another and you make no effort to hold on, I know it's just a matter of time. So choose one and hold on!
• If you are listening to music, please use headphones. Even if they are crummy headphones where people can still hear around you (I sadly used such headphones for years and didn't realize they annoyed people around me - apologies to those I annoyed!). But to use NO headphones just screams "I don't care about you, I'm doing what I want, and I'm listening to my music." If you are at your house - by all means. But you're in a public space. And not everyone wants to hear your music. So please, use headphones, or else wait until you are at a place where you can listen to your radio without bothering those around you. Thanks!
• Another rule for when the train is in motion - do not lock your knees. This is a less obvious tip, but when you lock your knees you are much more susceptible to shakes, shifts, braking, etc. And you'll end up sliding and knocking into those around you. Instead, keep your knees slightly bent, and center your weight. When the train is breaking, you can shift your weight to the foot closest to the front of the train. This will keep you from sliding forward. So much easier! 
• If you have many bags (as I often do) - please be aware of the space around you and do not jab people in the back with your purse or backpack. Sometimes you can't help that you're shoulder to shoulder with someone, but it doesn't mean you can't be respectful.
• If you have a suitcase or large item (duffel, instrument, package/boxes, or huge shopping bags) do not try to rush up the stairs ahead of everyone on your train. You are carrying heavy items on the subway - which is no easy task - but it's going to slow you down. And chances are the people behind you will be pushing ahead and you'll feel rushed - you may even drop something. Wait for the frenzy of people to head up the stairs and then take your time. You won't be far behind, you'll feel less stressed, and everyone will be happier.
• If you aren't sure where your stop is - or if you can't hear - just ask! Most people will be happy to help you (I always am!). If you can tell someone is listening to music and can't hear you and you need a quick answer, that person should not be your target. Look for someone available! That said those of us listening to music are happy to help you, but we will not appreciate your impatience as we try to pause our music to help you.
• If you are exiting the train and the people closest to the door aren't moving, a simple "excuse me" goes a long way. Most people will step aside - or just off the train - to let you through. Barreling through like you're a human bowling ball knocking over pins is not the way to go about it.
• Finally, if you have children please keep them from hitting strangers on the subway. I make no other comments about children than this, because I'm sure getting around New York City with them is a challenge! That said, please don't allow them to punch/slap people they don't know. I think this is common courtesy. Also encourage them to hold on when the train is moving. This will keep them from falling over/onto others. 

That's all for now! Thanks for reading and best of luck navigating the wonders of the New York City subway system!