NYC Subway
As a non-native New Yorker, I have a love/hate relationship with the NYC subway. Sitting in the 2 express train this morning I was contemplating my evolving feelings toward this monstrous beast, and I think I've (so far) gone through three main stages.
At first I was confused by the subway, along with most other visitors and newcomers. Now that I understand the system I realize that it's not all that complicated -- it's just explained quite poorly. The subway maps could really do a better job of differentiating the express lines from the local ones. In addition, changes in service should be posted on the trains where all can read and debate them before getting on the train, instead of being blared unintelligibly through 30 year old intercom systems by conductors who might need to learn more English, only after the train has left the station. It's no wonder most visitors take taxis everywhere.
But then, once I became familiar with the system, I became an avid subway fan. I loved it. It would take me anywhere in the city for a pretty decent price ($4 round trip is expensive anywhere but Manhattan), it's air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter, and it runs 24 hours a day. At times, especially if you're taking an express train or don't have to transfer, it can be faster than taking a taxi. It was, as the parlance goes, our honeymoon phase.
Recently, however, I have shifted to a more skeptical view. I still appreciate the convenience of the subway, and I truly stand in awe of its capacity and infrastructure (almost 500 stations; Times Square station alone handles almost 40 million people annually.) However, the little things are beginning to annoy me. Such as the constant "train delays" during rushour which leave you stranded for god-knows-how-long in an underground sardine can on wheels. Or the changes in service which you don't hear because (who knew?) you were listening to your ipod. Or perhaps it's just that while the subway system is convenient and extensive, it's not quite as dependable or comfortable as one would like (once again explaining the prevalence of taxis.)
I'm sure my views on the subway will evolve, after all I do have another three years in the big apple. But to those visiting NYC I'd give the following advice: if you're in a hurry, take a taxi.
As a non-native New Yorker, I have a love/hate relationship with the NYC subway. Sitting in the 2 express train this morning I was contemplating my evolving feelings toward this monstrous beast, and I think I've (so far) gone through three main stages.
At first I was confused by the subway, along with most other visitors and newcomers. Now that I understand the system I realize that it's not all that complicated -- it's just explained quite poorly. The subway maps could really do a better job of differentiating the express lines from the local ones. In addition, changes in service should be posted on the trains where all can read and debate them before getting on the train, instead of being blared unintelligibly through 30 year old intercom systems by conductors who might need to learn more English, only after the train has left the station. It's no wonder most visitors take taxis everywhere.
But then, once I became familiar with the system, I became an avid subway fan. I loved it. It would take me anywhere in the city for a pretty decent price ($4 round trip is expensive anywhere but Manhattan), it's air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter, and it runs 24 hours a day. At times, especially if you're taking an express train or don't have to transfer, it can be faster than taking a taxi. It was, as the parlance goes, our honeymoon phase.
Recently, however, I have shifted to a more skeptical view. I still appreciate the convenience of the subway, and I truly stand in awe of its capacity and infrastructure (almost 500 stations; Times Square station alone handles almost 40 million people annually.) However, the little things are beginning to annoy me. Such as the constant "train delays" during rushour which leave you stranded for god-knows-how-long in an underground sardine can on wheels. Or the changes in service which you don't hear because (who knew?) you were listening to your ipod. Or perhaps it's just that while the subway system is convenient and extensive, it's not quite as dependable or comfortable as one would like (once again explaining the prevalence of taxis.)
I'm sure my views on the subway will evolve, after all I do have another three years in the big apple. But to those visiting NYC I'd give the following advice: if you're in a hurry, take a taxi.
Labels: My Random Life
posted by slithytoves at 9:38 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home