The best way of getting around New York has to be the subway. Known by New Yorkers as the "train" it is the most reliable and quickest form of transport for travelling in the city. There are 468 stations and over 656 miles of track. Many of the routes operate 24 hours a day although there are fewer services in operation at night and at the weekends. At one point the subway earned a reputation for being an unsafe, unclean place to be, especially at night but over the last few years things have changed considerably.

New York subway station.

The whole subway network has been transformed and the trains are now safer, well lit, air conditioned and a lot more comfortable.
The subway can be noisy and confusing at first but it won't take long for you to become hooked on this popular form of travel. The most attractive feature of the subway is the fact that you can travel anytime, go anywhere and all for $1.50.

Subway entrances are marked by illuminated green spheres, if the station is manned around the clock and red spheres, if there is a restricted entry. Some may be marked by a sign bearing the name of the station - similar to the way the stations are marked for the London Underground. Although the subway operates 24 hours a day, the main service is between 6am and midnight, with the best time for travelling 9am to 4.30pm. This is the rush hour period and if you don't mind being on a crowded train, opt for travelling between these times. If you have to travel at night try and make your journey before 10pm, it isn't usually a good idea travelling on the subway much later than this as there may be a few unsavory characters loitering about. Try to travel in the central cars of the train and if you have a problem or emergency, you can speak to a member of the train crew in either the first car, or the middle of the train.

People on subway, New York City.

The MetroCard has now replaced tokens as a way of paying for your fare. The best option for visitors using the subway is to buy a MetroCard pass as they can save you money and are also accepted on the buses in New York City. MetroCards can be purchased at multilingual automated machines in most of the stations, at token booths or in convenience stores. There are two types - Unlimited Ride and Pay Per Ride
Maps of the subway, with the various routes and a comprehensive timetable are posted in all the subway stations and cars. All the different routes are defined by a certain colour with the names of the stations and a letter or number. Don't try and make a journey without figuring out where you are going as you may find that you will miss your stop.

Many of Manhattans' attractions are very accessible by various subway lines, especially those on the West Side. The likes of Madison Square Garden is within four blocks walking distance of three subway stations on 34th street. Take time to think about how far you need to travel as a journey of less than 20 blocks is usually quicker on foot and jumping in a taxi for a quick journey may seem like a good idea, but if you end up in gridlock the taxi meter will tick away, so a train ride would be quicker. The subways run north - south up and down the city on Lexington Avenue, 6th Avenue, 7th Avenue/Broadway and 8th Avenue.
The N,R,E,F and W trains to Queens run east to west.

From a safety point of view, stand in the middle of the platform - there are yellow signs designating off-hour waiting areas..
Keep all valuables including wallets, purses and bags out of view of other passengers.

If you have a few moments to spare, take a look at the public art in New York's subway system on the 1 line. Times Square has had a multimillion dollar restoration and there are some great looking mosaics in the stations.

Train Information and Subway Schedules:
New York City Transit Authority
Tel: 718-330-1234
www.mta.info

MetroCard Customer Service:
Tel: (212) 638-7622

Prices:
1 Ride - purchased with tokens in the subway station  $1.50
Unlimited Ride Cards - Unlimited Rides - valid for seven days   $17
Fun Pass - Unlimited Rides for 24 hours - $4

MetroCards are also valid on buses providing free transfers for: bus-bus, subway-bus and bus-subway within 2 hours of your card being swiped.

Disabled travelers and over 65 year olds qualify for discounts. The $17 weekly unlimited card can be bought for $8.50
Tel: 718-243-4999 for information