Shana, thanks for giving us your experiences. Here in Calgary we have a train system, but it’s pretty tame compared to the NYC lines. Those rules for riding are very valuable to make the writing authentic.

I have worse stories of crowded subways, one that had me crying and distraught by the time I got to work.

In defense of NYC though, not all subways or passengers are like that. The 6 train is usually clean and delightful. My path train from NJ into the city is always safe, even if you ride alone late at night. If you live here, you get to know which lines are worse than others and which to avoid. For example, I will avoid the E train at all costs, but the V which runs on the same line for some stops is awesome.

I do have rules to follow though.
-Never make eye contact
-Keep your headphones on so people know not to speak with you
-Don’t touch the railings with your bare hands, and if you do, wash them after riding. Seriously.
-Don’t stand too close to the platform edge, there are some crazy people out there and too many stories of innocents being pushed to ignore
-Don’t go into an empty car (if it’s not the first stop on the line). There’s usually a reason it’s empty, and you don’t want to be caught in there alone if someone less than desireable enters

If I think of more, I will post it.

As for the story, we were in New York on our honeymoon. The train was really crowded, but we were able to cram together on the seat rather than standing. It seemed like a great arrangement until a rather large woman grabbed the nearest hand-rail, which happened to be just above Al’s head. His face was pretty much in her armpit, which hadn’t been shaved in quite some time. He was trying to figure out how to extricate himself from the situation without breathing and without getting us both killed–you know how it is in New York. I was no help, since I had already pretty much fallen off my seat laughing.

It was shocking, how many NYC subway stereotypes were proven true on that day…

Good things do come of rats in subways. For example, KIKI STRIKE by Kristen Miller would have lacked some very cool showdowns if rats stayed away from underground tunnels.

Thanks PJ–glad it helps!

I have worse stories than this that I will refrain from sharing. Just don’t go in the subway at night, that’s all I’m saying.

Becca, no WAY are we letting you off the hook without spilling that story!

*taps foot*

Well?

Husband didn’t think it was funny, but it totally was…

Or begging for money. I always feel guilty when they do that – especially this one homeless woman who wasn’t even wearing shoes.

And the #1 type of paper litter after newspapers seems to be religious pamphlets. I see those a lot on subways in Toronto.

Thanks for the post!