In a city of over eight million people, we are blessed to have a subway system that takes us to virtually any corner of the city. Taking the subway is often cheaper and faster than trying to navigate a car on busy city streets or trying to hail a cab during rush hour. It may be convenient to take the subway, but there are definitely some uncomfortable and annoying things that your fellow riders do, which might drive you a bit crazy. Every New Yorker knows exactly what I’m talking about. Have you ever had a lady fall on your lap because she thinks Newton’s first law of motion doesn’t apply to her, and she doesn’t have to hold on to a pole? Or how about the guy who just won’t stop staring at you no matter how many discreet glares you give him? Or how about the people who feel the need to preach the Gospel (or anything else for that matter) to a train car full of bleary-eyed people on their way home from work?
At the end of the day, we all just need to get to our destinations with minimal issues. Train rides are often the only time we have to ourselves as we rush from one place to another. We all need that time of (relative) peace and reflection.
Here are some things that we can all do to improve the quality of train rides, and make them more enjoyable.
1. Don’t hug and/or lean on poles.
I’m guilty of doing this when I’m reading something and need both hands or when I’m just plain tired and want to lean on something. There are two reasons people shouldn’t this: A) On crowded trains, people will get annoyed if you hog the entire pole to yourself because then they have to find some other piece of metal to hold on to for dear life, and B) It’s unsanitary. Do you know how many people have touched that pole before you? Why would you want all of those germs all over your clothes?
2. Turn down the volume on your headphones.
Yes, I know Lil Wayne is awesome, but can you please turn down the volume of your headphones? Not only do I feel badly for your poor ears, but I also feel badly for my ears because I’m trying to study/daydream/rest.
3. Talk quietly on the phone and/or to the person next to you.
I’m dreading the day when we have full phone service in the subway because people tend to have loud and/or incredibly private conversations on the train ride. It’ll mean more opportunities for people to scream into their phones about who dated whom or what to pick up at the grocery store. If you’re going to talk on the phone, do so quietly or do it while waiting for the train on the platform.
4. Give up your seat for the elderly/disabled/pregnant/people with young children/people carrying a lot of things.
I know we’re all clamoring to get a seat (especially after a long day), but there are people out there who need that seat more than you. Karma is a real thing.
5. If you’re going to eat or drink, do so quietly without making a mess.
Oftentimes, in the hustle and bustle of the day, the only time we have to eat some lunch is inside of a train. There’s no law against eating on the subway, but we should all keep in mind a few things. First, make sure that what you’re eating doesn’t have a strong smell and make sure it’s something that won’t create a mess. Second, make sure all drinks have a lid so that you don’t spill your scalding coffee on someone. Lastly, don’t leave wrappers or containers behind when you exit the train car.
6. Avoid staring at people.
On occasion, we all get bored on the train and find ourselves staring at the person sitting across from us and wondering where they got that cute scarf, hat, or coat. But keep in mind that the other person has no idea what you’re thinking about and most likely thinks you’re a creepy weirdo. Therefore, just keep your peepers focused on the ads, your phone, a book, or better yet, close them and give them a rest.
7. Tell people when they’ve dropped their things and/or left them behind.
In the crowded terrain of a train car, it’s easy to drop any number of things and/or leave them behind as you’re exiting the car. If you see someone do this, let them know. They’ll forever be grateful (especially if it’s something like a phone) and will hopefully pay it forward.
8. Have conversations with strangers.
I know this is New York, and there a lot of weird or possibly dangerous people out there, but there are also a large number of interesting people. I’ve had multiple strangers strike up conversations with me about all kinds of topics. We talked for several minutes, and then I never saw them again, but it felt awesome to make a connection with a stranger like that. But be careful, and use your judgment. If somebody starts talking to you, and something about them doesn’t feel right, get out of the situation. Also, don’t give out any personal information to anyone you speak to (even the seemingly “normal” people). If they ask for your email or phone number, you should find a polite way to say no. You can’t really get to know someone in 15-20 minutes, and you don’t want to end up in a dangerous situation.
9. Leave the train car when you feel like you’re in danger.
People talking to themselves is really nothing special in New York. We see it all the time. But sometimes, things get a little more weird than usual. If somebody seems angry or violent, and you feel like you might be in danger, change cars as soon as the train stops. Alert MTA personnel if necessary.
10. Keep your hands to yourself.
Just because it’s rush hour, and you’re skin to skin with a forty-something businessman and you have a lady breathing down your neck doesn’t mean personal space loses all meaning. I guess this one is for all the creepy guys out there (and for those select creepy ladies) who feel the need to fondle strangers. Not cool. New Yorkers will generally not put up with violations of personal space and will probably give you hell in front of everyone and humiliate you.
11. Don’t preach.
There always seem to be people who walk into a train car and feel the need to tell us that we are all doomed, and we must rid ourselves of sin immediately. Or people who claim to know all sorts of conspiracies and are trying to convince the public that they are being lied to. This makes everyone on the subway extremely uncomfortable and annoyed. The subway is not a podium. We all just want some peace and quiet.
12. Hold on to something so you don’t fall on somebody’s lap.
The poles are there for a reason. I know they’re covered in germs and might not be the most comfortable things to hold on to, but PLEASE USE THEM. Save yourself the embarrassment of falling on somebody’s lap. But I’ll be honest and tell you that sometimes even if you’re holding on, you’ll still manage to fall. The train will speed up and slow down and turn around a curve, and our bodies are always at the mercy of physics.
Great article, made me smile the whole way through 🙂