NYC Subway trains

[Bernard]

I felt that bc6 and I were about to get into a discussion about our MTA Subway trains I thought it would be better if I started a new thread and not hi-jack the other one. Yes I believe they were built by Kawasaki of Japan, so it not too off topic.

Here are 3 scene of the Lexington Ave #6 line, I work on the East Side, bc6 is a West sider.

As you can see the first photo is the early morning rush hour which runs from 7-9am and you can see all the commuters patiently waiting as the #6 to arrive.

 

The next scene is the patient commuters watching the #6 not slowing down because the MTA decided to make it an Express train and this station is a Local stop.

 

The third scene is the inside of a typical rush hour train. Be very careful when taking a photo inside the train, if New Yorkers think you're a tourist than it's fine, BUT if they think you're a native New Yorker, and you just took a photo, they might think you're from Home Land Security or  the CIA. Hence most of the people will get off at he next stop. (or just take your camera)

 

Here are some important rules to remember when taking a NYC Subway (and I'll let bc6 add to them)

1) Never make eye contact with another passenger. Their response will be, "What ya looking at!" Do not answer this person. What you do is this, put on your sunglasses and look out at a distance pretending not to see a thing. His next response we be, "Oh."

2) When a person comes onto the train with a guitar, saxophone or tuba and starts playing Barry Manilow songs and then asks for money. Just say, "I bought your CD yesterday at the 51st station, that what I'm listening to on my iPod right now."

 

(Enough for now or maybe never)

[bill937ca]

The ultimate NYC subway source:

 

http://www.nycsubway.org/

 

The sister site to nycsubway.org has some Japanese streetcars and subway trains included in its photo collection.

 

http://world.nycsubway.org/asia-oceania/japan.html'>http://world.nycsubway.org/asia-oceania/japan.html

 

http://world.nycsubway.org/

 

Photography

 

Another rule.  Although photography is NOT illegal in the subway, people do get arrested for taking photos.

NYPD issued a directive in April 2009 saying that it is legal to take photographs, but there still are reports of people being arrested for just that. Still lights (that means NO flash!), tripods and reflectors cannot be used under MTA Restricted Areas and Activities rules.

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2337/3544963391_7f1d30700c_b.jpg

 

http://mta.info/nyct/rules/rules.htm#restricted

[Bernard]

Here is an old clip where David Letterman explains NYC Subway etiquette:

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vn9tBh0V40&feature=related

[Guest ___]

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rZeuXk6K24

[bc6]

Well I wanted to add my 2 cents and add my observations on the NYC Subway system. I think that the subway network itself is pretty good but the infrastructure  compared to Japan is terrible for the price we pay $2.25 per ride up from $2.00 per ride. I have to admit for one of the oldest subway systems in the world it's held up pretty well and is also one of the most photographed and filmed systems in the world as well. If you didnt know there a new movie out with John Travolta called "The Taking of Pelham 123" which is about the hi-jacking of a NYC Subway train (only in NYC) which is remake of a Walter Mathau movie of the same name, personally I prefer the 1960's version.

 

Now that Ive let you know how I feel about the subway system, heres a picture of the elevated portion of the IRT #2 Train.

[Guest ___]

In the 80's and 90's NYC suffered from a shortage of cash resulting in a lot of deferred maintenance. (Something that DC is dealing with now) It wasn't just MTA that has to contend to this issue, the roads and bridges in NYC had the same problem. Hell, I thoguht the Willaimsburg Bridge would drop in to the Hudson at any moment.

[marknewton]

2) When a person comes onto the train with a guitar, saxophone or tuba and starts playing Barry Manilow songs and then asks for money...

 

Geez, Bernard, you make travelling on NYC subway trains sound SO appealing! 

 

But I have to say, any person coming on to my train playing Barry Manilow songs would only be asking for trouble. They'd be off the train at the next stop, or perhaps sooner...

 

All the best,

 

Mark.

[Bernard]

Taking the NYC Subway is an experience, and we all joke about it. And it's all in fun and it's not so bad, but tourist can be overwhelmed when they first go into a NYC Subway, because we New Yorkers go at a fast pace, sometimes too fast. 

We all joke about it, like your Prime Minister, Dawn Fraser would. (During the Sydney Olympics, she was everywhere and some of our American crews began to think she really was the Prime Minister. But that's another story)

[Mudkip Orange]

I find the subway is a breeze to get around on, though I haven't been to NYC in a few years.

 

My observation is the system keeps getting better, and has been doing so for about 15 years.

[marknewton]

Taking the NYC Subway is an experience, and we all joke about it. And it's all in fun and it's not so bad, but tourist can be overwhelmed when they first go into a NYC Subway, because we New Yorkers go at a fast pace, sometimes too fast...

 

Yeah, I assumed you were being a bit "tongue in cheek". I still got a good laugh from reading your comments, though.

 

All the best,

 

Mark.