Subway Etiquette

Subway etiquette ensures order and courtesy.

With more than 8 million residents, New York City is a crowded place. Its streets are often clogged with thousands of pedestrians, the same people who pack themselves into the subway trains. Every movement, behavior, and act of kindness or rudeness becomes intensified with so many people in such close quarters, making subway etiquette extremely important.

Definition

Subway etiquette is a collection of written and unwritten rules that serve to maintain order on the New York City subway train. The written rules are spelled out, in great detail, by the Metropolitan Transit Authority. The unwritten rules rely on people's common sense and courtesy.

Written Rules

The Metropolitan Transit Authority has issued a list of rules specifying illegal activities. These activities include taking up more than one seat or putting your feet on a seat; jumping the turnstiles; blocking free movement; and panhandling. Engaging in graffiti or destruction of property and drinking alcoholic beverages on the subway are also illegal. Even carrying a liquid in an open container is against the rules.

Unwritten Rules

New York Magazine has compiled a number of unwritten rules in its Urban Etiquette Handbook. Some mirror the written rules, such as not hogging the seat by keeping knees farther than six inches apart; not blasting music, even through a pair of headphones; and not lying down unless you are dead. Others are based on common courtesy, such as not staring at strangers; not reading over other people's shoulders; and keeping your kids under control. Eating is on a subway train is not prohibited, but messy meals with heavy aromas are frowned upon. Clipping fingernails, plucking eyebrows and other forms of primping are also taboo.

Warning

Violating subway etiquette can result in a number of penalties. If your activity is illegal, authorities can arrest you, give you a citation and fine you, or kick you out of the subway system. Breaking unwritten rules may invoke the wrath of other commuters. They may glare at you, admonish you loudly or even physically assault you.

Reporting

While it is unlikely that authorities will arrest a fellow passenger for staring at you, they will often issue citations for rude behavior that breaks the written rules of conduct. Report any violations to the subway conductor or other employee, or to nearby police officers. To report suspicious or dangerous activity, call the toll-free hotline at 888-NYC-SAFE or 911.

References

• Metropolitan Transportation Authority: Rules of Conduct
• New York Magazine: The Urban Etiquette Handbook
• Voices: The Journal of New York Folklore, Vol. 27 (2001): "Stand Clear of the Closing Doors," excerpted from Brooklyn College master's thesis on folklore of NYC subway workers