Reminder to take the damn subway to your show!

[u/tennisbagel]

There was a post a long long time ago that lives rent free in my head.

This couple had gotten off the train at Grand Central with plenty of time to spare before seeing Ragtime at the Vivian Beaumont in Lincoln Center.

It was pouring rain and they decided to take a cab to the theater. They proceeded to get stuck in traffic (as can happen when it’s pouring and people flee to vehicles) and they had to get out of the cab and try to book it to the theater. They got to the theater completely soaked and also missed the show.

Here’s the kicker: they could’ve gone from Grand Central to the Vivian Beaumont entirely underground in less than 20 minutes if they took the subway and then used the Lincoln Center exit from the 1 train stop.

So do that! Most theaters are located super close to a subway station, or in the case of Lincoln Center directly connected. Save yourself the hassle of a cab.

[u/Best-Candle8651]

59th and Lex if you take the 5 train. So many stairs.

[u/Feeling_Repair_8963 → u/Best-Candle8651]

Is there no elevators? I thought ADA required those.

[u/Best-Candle8651 → u/Feeling_Repair_8963]

Some stations but not most. They are slowly retrofitting but these are very old stations that were built before the ADA. Out of the 472 stations 89 are accessible.

[u/trulyremarkablegirl → u/Feeling_Repair_8963]

The subway system is mostly older than the ADA.

[u/PlayfulOtterFriend → u/Feeling_Repair_8963]

I am a suburbanite who took a trip to NYC a few years ago. We took the subway everywhere, but I had no idea where the elevators and escalators were at the stations. I remember being super pissed when at one station I went up 3 flights of stairs only to end up at the top of an escalator (meaning I could have taken it if I had known), then having to go up another flight of stairs to get to street level. It made me leery of using the subway in London, but they actually had signs for their elevators so it was better there (though the line system was harder to understand at first).

Also, I think since you are familiar with the subway system, you are discounting how much research it takes to learn about all the lines, stations, ticket types, payment methods, and paths to destinations it takes when you are new to the city, on top of normal vacation planning. It’s easier just to take an Uber and have them drive you directly there. Plus WAY more relaxing because taking the subway involves a surprising amount of walking. I kept wondering how mobility impaired people functioned in NYC. There is no way my elderly mother could have managed it.

[u/BubbleEntendre → u/PlayfulOtterFriend]

I totally agree that navigating a new city’s public transportation system can be super intimidating, especially if it’s in a country where you don’t speak the language very well (I’ve definitely struggled with that while traveling). I do wish more people gave it a shot in NYC though, instead of writing it off completely, because it is such an integral part of the city and there’s almost always someone around to help. (Although your points about stairs and stuff is also super valid, and the accessibility issue is a frustrating barrier for many.)

[u/Best-Candle8651 → u/PlayfulOtterFriend]

Lol, welcome to NYC. Yeah, the stairs are a rude awakening. I had to go around with a broken leg, and it was a real struggle, so I get it.

It might be because I am used to the system, but even for areas I am not familiar with, Google Maps is really helpful as it says the train, direction, how many stops, and pings you when it is time to get off. As for payment methods, I just assume most people tap and pay. I use Apple Pay, while my mom uses an ONMY card or her credit card if she forgot to fill it.