New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [305]
Schedule and Route Information Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Travel Information Line (718/330 1234, 718/596–8585 for travelers with disabilities | www.mta.info)
SUBWAY TRAVEL
The subway system operates on more than 840 mi of track 24 hours a day and serves nearly all the places you’re likely to visit. It’s cheaper than a cab, and during the workweek it’s often faster than either taxis or buses. The trains are well lighted and air-conditioned. Still, the New York subway is hardly problem-free. Many trains are crowded, the older ones are noisy, the air-conditioning can break, and platforms can be dingy and damp. Homeless people sometimes take refuge from the elements by riding the trains, and panhandlers head there for a captive audience. Although trains usually run frequently, especially during rush hours, you never know when some incident somewhere on the line may stall traffic. In addition, subway construction sometimes causes delays or limitation of service, especially on weekends.
Most subway entrances are at street corners and are marked by lampposts with an illuminated Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) logo or globe-shape green or red lights—green means the station is open 24 hours and red means the station closes at night (though colors don’t always correspond to reality). Subway lines are designated by numbers and letters, such as the 3 line or the A line. Some lines run “express” and skip stops, and others are “locals” and make all stops. Each station entrance has a sign indicating the lines that run through the station. Some entrances are also marked “uptown only” or “downtown only.” Before entering subway stations, read the signs carefully. One of the most frequent mistakes visitors make is taking the train in the wrong direction. Maps of the full subway system are posted in every train car and usually on the subway platform (though these are sometimes out of date). You can usually pick up free maps at station booths.
For the most up-to-date information on subway lines, call the MTA’s Travel Information Center or visit its Web site. The Web site Hopstop is a good source for figuring out the best line to take to reach your destination. (You can also call or text Hopstop for directions.) Alternatively, ask a station agent.
Subway fare is the same as bus fare: $2.50 for a single ride ticket. You can transfer between subway lines an unlimited number of times at any of the numerous stations where lines intersect. If you use a MetroCard to pay your fare, you can also transfer to intersecting MTA bus routes for free. Such transfers generally have time limits of two hours.
Pay your subway fare at the turnstile, using a MetroCard bought at the station booth or from a vending machine.
Subway Information Hopstop (888/246–7867 | www.hopstop.com). Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Travel Information Line (718/330–1234, 718/330–4847 for non–English speakers | www.mta.info). MTA Lost Property Office (212/712–4500). MTA Status information hotline (718/243–7777), updated hourly.
TAXI TRAVEL
Yellow cabs are in abundance almost everywhere in Manhattan, cruising the streets looking for fares. They are usually easy to hail on the street or from a cabstand in front of major hotels, though finding one at rush hour or in the rain can take some time. Even if you’re stuck in a downpour or at the airport, do not accept a ride from a gypsy cab. If a cab is not yellow and does not have a numbered aqua-color plastic medallion riveted to the hood, you could be putting yourself in danger by getting into the car.
You can see whether a taxi is available by checking its rooftop light. If the center panel is lighted and the side panels are dark, the driver is ready to take passengers. Once the meter is engaged (and if it isn’t, alert your driver; you’ll seldom benefit from negotiating an off-the-record ride), the fare is $3