Manhatten Subway System?

Question

Can anyone give me some tips on how to work the subway system? I know little things like, the 6 train stops at Aster place.

How is it organized?

Answer 1

A little difficult, but I will try.

The #7 train is the only # train that goes crosstown (on 42nd St).

The L train only runs between Brooklyn & Manhattan.

The G train only runs between Brooklyn & Queens.

The A, C, D trains run on the West Side.

The R runs kind of down the middle of the island of Manhattan.

The "green lines" (#'s 4,5,6 trains) are on the East Side.

The "red" lines (#'s 1,2,3 trains) are on the West Side.

The major hubs & points of transfer are 42nd Street, Union Square, Fulton Street, West 4th Street, Columbus Circle.

Most of the trains now have automated speakers in the cars telling you what the train is, what the next stop is and where you can transfer and to what train.

Answer 2

There are many resources that will offer maps and directions.
One of my favorites is www.hopstop.com. It's very accurate, but make sure that you search for alternate routes too because the trains aren't always running, or are re-routed for various reasons. Always check the postings at the subway station before crossing the turnstiles for delays and schedule changes.
To "work" the system, you first have to find a station!
You can usually spot one from the street by looking for round, colored lamp posts, "M" signs, and "Subway" signs (in Times Square, they're flashing neon. Hard to miss.)
There are signs above the entry ways that indicate the direction, times, and names of the trains servicing that station
There are usually two entrances, one for going "uptown" or "downtown" or in any opposing directions (ie. "to Queens" vs "to Manhattan") If you end up on the "wrong side of the tracks", go back to street level and cross to the other side.

Once you're in the station, by a Single Ride or Metro Card for your fare from the kiosks using touch screens. A single is $2 for one-way and is good for up to 2 hours. Metro cards can be bought in almost any amount. There are limits to the amount of change you can receive, so have a variety of bills or pay with credit or debit. Some Metro cards can be swiped more than once if your party is more than one and you only want to handle one card. Monthly cards cannot be double-swiped. Sometimes you have to wait 15 minutes before re-entering the same station with the same card (for example, if you entered, realized you were on the wrong track, and tried to enter again.) If you run into problems, talk to a guard or station manager. Be sure to pick up your change!

Read the signs BEFORE going through the turnstiles to make sure you're headed in the right direction. When in doubt, Ask or refer to a wall map. Beware of persons OFFERING directions without your asking for them. They want a tip.

Swipe the card and walk through the turnstiles when it beeps.

Follow the signs and read the numbers on the front and sides of the train. Different trains may service the same station. If it's not your train, wait, and it should come. If you're not sure what stop to get off or when it's coming, there are posted routes on the pillars next to the tracks. You may have to walk around and look behind some to find them, but they're usually there. The conductors do announce the stops but you can't always hear them and not all trains have LCD postings of the stop inside the car. The wall mosaics on the station walls tell you what station it is, and other signs will indicate available transfers. Keep your eyes and ears open and the system can actually work for you.

Never hold the doors, and stand behind the yellow line (people do and will push you or move you out of their way. They don't care where you end up as long as it's not in their way... meaning you could end up on the tracks if you're not careful.)

Happy Travels.

Answer 3

http://www.nycsubway.org/maps/route.html

http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/schemain.htm

Answer 4

www.hopstop.com is a damn handy tool.