How different is the New York subway

[oliMw]

Hi there, I am flying to New York at the end of the month and we will be traveling on the NYC subway to get around with a travel pass. Has anyone travelled on the Subway and tell me how different it is to the London Underground (which I have used many times) i.e trains, stations, frequencies etc. Many Thanks

 

[ianhr]

VERY different! a much larger and more complex system, pick up a map. Frequent in downtown Manhattan but you might wait a long time for a train in the outer boroughs. The 4 track lines with express and local service are impressive and the express trains go FAST. Don't miss a ride on the No.7 line to Flushing in Queens. Also make sure you take a trip to Coney Island-Stillwell Ave, several lines terminate there.

 

[Searle]

I wouldn't say they're VERY different, but there certainly are differences between them.

Frequencies are pretty high on the 1/2/3/4/5/6/A/C/E, but you can be waiting for up to 15 minutes late at night, especially on the B/D/F/M/N/Q/R lines.

Make sure you don't get on a fast service when you want a stopping service instead, that's the very main difference really. Also the trains are all air conditioned, whereas the stations can get swelteringly hot.

If you want to see the subway above ground, I recommend the J/M lines east of Marcy Avenue, if you're interested

 

[oliMw]

Thanks for the info At most stations with Express + Stopping services do the Express services run on particular platforms with Stopping services on the other or are they shared?

 

[Searle]

It's a mixture. At some large stations like 42nd Street, on the A/C/E lines, it's a cross platform change between the express A and the stopping C/E trains.

At Marcy Avenue, all of the fast and stopping J/M/Z trains stop on the same platform. There are more examples of both of these around the network.

 

[Eagle]

There are also stations which receive different services at different times of day, which are indicated by a bunch of different symbols on maps (e.g. weekdays only, peak only, not overnight and so on).

Also of course each service doesn't have its own colour; the colours are determined by which line they run on in Manhattan.

 

[Royston Vasey]

Trains a mix of antiques (notably the ~50 year old C trains) and new modern stock and plenty in between. Much bigger feeling inside, air conditioned, generally clean but many rather run down. Good electronic PIS on the new stock, manual announcements on many. Plenty of variety.

You'll notice the trains and lines are much much less smooth running than in London, which really hit me last time I was in London.

24/7 operation is great but be prepared to wait up to 20 minutes evenings and weekends and beware some lines (eg B) do not operate during these hours.

Engineering works can be unpredictable and inconvenient at weekends.

Beware of lines that run fast - it's quite easy to work out from the subway map though.

The unlimited MetroCard is great value, though the standard $2.50 flat fare penalises those travelling only a couple of stops. If you're here a week the 7 day card is very good value.

Stations much more spacious but in much poorer state of repair and cleanliness. Tramps - often mentally ill - are very common in stations and trains (particularly in very cold temperatures of January) and though you don't feel threatened, they're a nuisance and are the cause of empty coaches or parts of coaches on packed trains due to the odour. I've occasionally felt uncomfortable due to the more unstable characters, though this is unusual and the system is very safe, within most of its extremities.

The barriers often are temperamental and very outdated.

Lots of entertainers, singers, groups, dancers which can be entertaining but can be extremely intrusive and irritating if not in the mood.

Passengers can be very inconsiderate, particularly boarding before you've alighted and through noise and personal space.

Finally, a strong recommendation for an afternoon out... the New York City Transit Museum at the former Court St station in Brooklyn is a must for a transport fan.

 

[oliMw]

Thanks Again. Sounds quite a bit diffrent to the London Underground but I am sure we will get used to it. We have a spair morning on the third day where we haven't planned to do anything yet, I have googled the Transit Museum and we are planning to go there, but are there any other Rail related visits (Grand Central Station) that are worth an hour or so to look at?

 

[Searle]

Grand Central is a must visit, it's absolutely lovely in there. Penn station has the more impressive Amtrak trains, but it's a dingy station, very hot and all underground, so it's pretty dark too. I wouldn't really recommend, but it depends on what you like!

If you want a ride on the LIRR, then I did Grand Central to Jamaica and back. Jamaica's out in the open and is an interesting and busy station if you want some photos!

 

[Royston Vasey]

Thanks Again. Sounds quite a bit diffrent to the London Underground but I am sure we will get used to it. We have a spair morning on the third day where we haven't planned to do anything yet, I have googled the Transit Museum and we are planning to go there, but are there any other Rail related visits (Grand Central Station) that are worth an hour or so to look at?

I'd say GCT is a genuine tourist attraction but not easy to see any actual trains if you aren't travelling on them. The Metro North trains are mainly fairly bog standard EMUs and the view from the terminus is from platform end only if you're not travelling.

The Long Island Rail Road out of Penn (an awful labyrinth of a station, like Birmingham New Street with added sprawl, tramps and confusion) does pass by the huge yard storing LIRR and NJ Transit single and double deck trains out of rush hour which is impressive.

I'd suggest if you're flying through JFK, that either on arrival or on your return you use LIRR from/to Jamaica and the Airtrain, to satisfy your curiosity on this. If Newark, use NJ Transit (double deck!) or Amtrak between Penn and Newark International station and Airtrain. This is just a taster but I wouldn't go out of my way to do them if not on the way somewhere... Up to you!

 

[edwin_m]

Most lines follow roads above and stations are often named after intersecting roads, so if one road intersects several subway lines there may be several stations with the same name but not in the same place. Kinda like Edgware Road only worse.

 

[Shimbleshanks]

From my experience of travelling around NY (admittedly many years ago) interchange stations are often very confusing with minimal or no signage. Service was often erratic with long waits for trains, usually with no explanation. But staff and subway police are very helpful, when you can find them.

When it works, the Subway is often the fastest way to travel around Manhattan. The open elevated sections are also a good way to get an insight into some of New York's seedier districts eg the Bronx without actually taking the risk of getting off the train and wandering the streets.

 

[oliMw]

Thanks again. We will certainly visit Grand Central Station. As much as I would love to visit Jamaica I don't think it would be plausible even though we are flying from Heathrow - JFK.

Sorry to be a bit stereotypical, but from watching American sit coms e.g How I met your Mother and Friends they portray the subway as being rough. I know it's not much to go by but is this true or just at night (as some trains operate 24 hrs a day don't they?) or completely false?

 

[Gordon]

The one massive difference for me is the fast and slow trains. And how I wish London Underground had fast skip stop services. I get fed up of trundling down to Morden stopping at every station.

 

[WestCoast]

Thanks again. We will certainly visit Grand Central Station. As much as I would love to visit Jamaica I don't think it would be plausible even though we are flying from Heathrow - JFK.

Sorry to be a bit stereotypical, but from watching American sit coms e.g How I met your Mother and Friends they portray the subway as being rough. I know it's not much to go by but is this true or just at night (as some trains operate 24 hrs a day don't they?) or completely false?

Erm, the Subway used to have a bad reputation for crime (especially in the '80s), which was justified to quite a large extent. However, the situation has improved significantly since then and the Subway is considered to be very safe at all times within Manhattan. Late at night in the outer boroughs may be slightly different. I certainly came across no bother on my visit in 2012, however expect to see homeless people and certain other "characters" (buskers, panhandlers,
preachers etc) on the trains from time to time.

I'd say there's a lot less station staff than on the Underground and the stations are an awful lot shabbier. Most trains have guards, however, located in the centre cab. It's a very interesting system and very cheap as well!
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The one massive difference for me is the fast and slow trains. And how I wish London Underground had fast skip stop services. I get fed up of trundling down to Morden stopping at every station.

Catching an express train is not always possible; some lines don't have them at all or they only run during 'peak' hours (such as the the 7 train Express). It could also be argued that London does have express services in the form of National Rail services and of course the Metropolitan Line. Not quite the same, but LU is often criticised by those on the other side of pond for not having them as they are not aware of National Rail within Greater London.

 

[Gordon]

The one occasion I visited New York I followed a recommendation to avoid a lengthy road journey from JFK into the city by taking the car park bus to the car park nearest Howard Beach station and boarding the subway there.

 

[Royston Vasey]

Thanks again. We will certainly visit Grand Central Station. As much as I would love to visit Jamaica I don't think it would be plausible even though we are flying from Heathrow - JFK.

Sorry to be a bit stereotypical, but from watching American sit coms e.g How I met your Mother and Friends they portray the subway as being rough. I know it's not much to go by but is this true or just at night (as some trains operate 24 hrs a day don't they?) or completely false?

Via Jamaica and Airtrain is probably the quickest way to the airport from the city at peak times. I suggest it out of practicality! A taxi or bus from midtown is usually 45-60 mins drive due to traffic.

 

[Eagle]

It could also be argued that London does have express services in the form of National Rail services and of course the Metropolitan Line. Not quite the same, but LU is often criticised by those on the other side of pond for not having them as they are not aware of National Rail within Greater London.

The Metropolitan skip-stops the Jubilee in the same way that the Piccadilly skip-stops the District. (However, outside the peaks there are now no longer any Met services that skip Met stations. Due to the superior acceleration of S Stock making it not worth it, apparently.)

 

[oliMw]

Are there any other places that you guys think are worth a Visit that are not too expensive?

 

[radamfi]

If you are going to/from JFK, you can save $5 by using the Q10 bus instead of the Airtrain, as subway to bus transfers are free if you use a Regular Metrocard.

http://first2board.com/willrunformiles/2013/07/24/skip-the-airtrain-at-jfk-take-the-q10-bus-save-5/

Similarly if you are going to Newark Airport, you can get a local bus from Newark city centre station to the airport instead of getting the Airtrain from the dedicated airport station.

 

[PauloDavesi]

Not on the NY Subway, but the High Line is well worth a visit, its a disused elevated railway along the West side of Manhatten thats been converted into a linear park.
Also the Stattan Island ferry gives great views of lower Manhatten, Ellis Island & Governors Island, plus its free

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Take the no 7 to Flushing and get off at Queensborough PLaza - excellent views over the Manhattan skyline , elevated double deck station. Earlier in the day - a good ride outside the centre is the J / M to get the old NY feel of a real "El" (not the best of of areas but much improved)

Get the 1 /3 /5 day Metrocard.(Eazipass ?)
Fastest line is the A from 59th to 125th - non stop !

 

[radamfi]

Get the 1 /3 /5 day Metrocard.(Eazipass ?)

I thought the shortest unlimited Metrocard is now one week, since the 1 day one was scrapped?

 

[Royston Vasey]

I thought the shortest unlimited Metrocard is now one week, since the 1 day one was scrapped?

This is correct. Choice is 7 or 30 day or pay as you go. 7 day at $30 means you get your money's worth after just 12 trips.

EasyPay is just the auto top up option. EZPass (z as in zee) is the automatic road toll system used throughout the north east.

 

[Shimbleshanks]

Are there any other places that you guys think are worth a Visit that are not too expensive?

You could do a lot worse than the New York Transit Museum:

http://www.mta.info/mta/museum/

 

[oliMw]

Thanks again guys. I just have to hope now the weather isn't as bad in a few weeks than it has been the past few days in NY

 

[Royston Vasey]

Thanks again guys. I just have to hope now the weather isn't as bad in a few weeks than it has been the past few days in NY

Worst winter in years here - just brutal at the moment!

 

[oliMw]

Seeing the news here, the storm seems absolutely horrific. how cold is it where you are?

 

[Royston Vasey]

Seeing the news here, the storm seems absolutely horrific. how cold is it where you are?

Down to -16C yesterday morning with wind chill about -28C. Soon enough it'll be 40C with oppressive humidity again! That's in midtown.

 

[oliMw]

That's bitter indeed, I hope it warms up soon for you