NYC Subway Rules and Etiquette

Some New York City locals drive. Some ride their bicycles. Some even prefer walking to their destinations. But the majority of people use New York's subway system to get around. Pre-pandemic, around 5.5 million people rode the subway every day, which is higher than any other U.S. transit system. While those numbers fell off a bit during the pandemic, it's gradually rebounding. Just last month, the number hit a post-pandemic record, with over 3.1 million daily riders.

Regardless of its numbers, NYC residents rely on the subway to get to and from work, school, appointments, and social gatherings. To its daily riders, there is a sort of rule book that they follow to ensure a safe, quick, and most importantly, peaceful ride to wherever they're going. If you aren't from New York, however, the subway system can be a bit tricky to navigate, and even a little more difficult to understand.

The MTA has its own rules of conduct, of course — things like no smoking on the platforms, no putting any body parts out of the windows, no urinating, and no sexually harassing other riders. But then there's the unspoken rules and etiquette that the locals adhere to, and that's what we're here to help shed some light on.

Here are some of the basic rules and etiquette everyone should know about:

• Let everyone step out of the train before you try to step on. This is especially true when it's crowded, but it still applies even when there are just a few riders trying to get off at your stop. If you try to shove your way through, you're not only going to get some mean glares from those getting off, but you're going to annoy the people who are getting on the train with you.
• If you're carrying a large item, whether it's a suitcase, your gym bag, or just a large backpack stuffed with items into a crowded train, place it down in front of you. No one wants to be jostled around by your bags every time you move. Extra piece of advice: try your absolute hardest not to bring your bike on the subway during rush hour.
• Have some spatial awareness. Don't manspread, don't take up an entire subway pole to yourself, and absolutely do not take up more than one seat. You should keep this in mind even when the subway isn't crowded, but these are a definite no-go when the train is filled with people.
• Don't do things on the subway that you wouldn't do if you had company over at your house. For example, don't spit, don't clip your nails, and don't pick your nose. This is just a mild list, too. Every subway rider has their own story of seeing someone do far worse than this. Don't be this person.

We hope this has been a helpful list of all the rules and etiquette of the NYC subway system. Part of what makes NYC so great is the feeling of community that exists in every neighborhood. Following these unspoken rules is just another way to ensure a happy, peaceful environment.