NYC Subway??? MTA!!!

I see so many requests and people that I talk to that are always looking for a provider in walking distance from their hotel. It always baffles me because NYC is one of easiest cities to commute by subway that I have ever been n. You can literally be downtown and hop a train to midtown, uptown, east or west. But, living here, i forget how intimidating it can be for someone who is here for the first time or only visits once in a while. Therefore, i thought it might be helpful to post some links to help get you on the train. It really is easy once you get the hang of it and even if you do get mixed up, just get off at the next stop, cross the platform, and get back on going the other way.

The main MTA site
http://www.mta.info/?gtd=1
You will see plenty of options. I rarely use the buses so cant offer much help but I know people who live by them.
There are three different subways you may encounter. The MTA, The Long island Railroad (LIRR), or the metro-north. I think the only Metro-north locations will be at Grand Central Station and these trains go to upstate and Connecticut. you don't want to go near these. The LIRR will travel through Queens and into Long Island obviously. These to are at Grand Central and Penn Station. Oh yeah, you may also see NJ Transit trains at these stations and unless you want to go to Newark... The MTA trains will be the ones you will take to commute all over Manhattan.

The MTA Subway Map
http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm
This map will be invaluable as a subway commuter. I have it downloaded on my phone and you will find them on every subway car and at every station. Once you figure out how to read it, it will show you what trains run the same lines, where they go, what trains stop at what stations so you know where to get off to make transfers. I also have Google maps on my phone which I will use in conjunction with the MTA map. Google maps will show you the MTA stations and if you zoom in, it will show you what trains stop there.

The MTA's FAQ Page
http://www.mta.info/nyct/subway/howto_sub.htm
Thought maybe useful. The way I learned was just get on and go. But for those of you who like to read the directions...

And the MetroCard
http://www.mta.info/metrocard/
the way you will pay for your subway ride is with a MetroCard. At most main stations, you will see the computerized ATM type of machine that you will be able to obtain and load you MetroCard with money. Once you get this card and put some money on it, you will swipe it at the turn style to access the train.

Safety: I have ridden these trains alone at all hours of the day and night and have never had any trouble as far as safety. Of course, if you don't go where you don't belong, there usually isn't any trouble. The NYC subways are very safe at this time.

Hope this helps and if anyone can ad anything helpful.

This is fantastic! Thanks very much! As someone who doesn't travel to NYC *constantly* it is definitely intimidating, especially if you happen to be traveling alone that day. Great info.

Chubs,

Thank you very much!

DD

This is a really funny, and helpful post. I'd like to add that even if you are still intimidated by the subways after all this information, don't forget taxis. Taxis in manhattan are very inexpensive, and plentiful. You can go from one end of the island to the other for about $15, so going anywhere from a midtown hotel is a pittance.