Just thought this was really cool

I just thought this video was really cool. It truly represents some of the behaviors and habits of people in the subway. Take a look:



(Via: YouTube)

Dealing With Big Crowds

In light of the incident at WalMart last Friday I feel like I have to make a comment about how things are being handled with that investigation. People seem to be blaming WalMart saying it was their fault that this man was trampled by the crowds. Whether there was enough security to deal with the crowd or not is not the issue, what I don't understand is how the people in the crowd aren't being blamed.

Crowd control is important but what about self-control? Aren't these people responsible for their own actions? What was the point of rushing into a store to go holiday shopping? Were the discounts going to end that quickly? I just think that it is a little insane that people seem to think that it's totally and completely WalMart's fault.

This goes for crowds in subways too. When someone gets pushed or shoved in a crowded subway car, is it the MTA's fault? I sincerely doubt it!

5 People I Hate Seeing on the Subway

I just love reading other people's subway rants. Someone on craigslist wrote this really great post about people he or she thinks are the most annoying people on the subway. But there are a few this person missed here are my top 5:

1) The two homeless guys who crap themselves in the subway car: Look I sympathize. I understand that you can't really help your situation, but can you take a dump somewhere else. It;s kind of funny though how no one else is ever in the train car when these guys are sleeping in there. Maybe I should remember this technique..uh nevermind!

2) Guitar Player Guys - Is it just me or is that the most annoying thing you have ever heard? Honestly when I'm trying to get home after working a very long day, the last thing I want to hear is your guitar, you accordion, and your bad singing.

3) Nose Picker: Are you kidding me? You are 40 something years old, picking your nose, and then you have the audacity to wipe your snot covered fingers on the pole and handrails that people need to use. Someone like this needs to be shot.

4) The people who are getting off the same stop as you and push you out of the way - Look I am getting off the same stop as you, why not wait the 5 freaking seconds it would take me to step off the train. Are you that much in a rush in the morning to get to work? Do you enjoy your job that much? If so let me know where you work!!

5) The guy I got into a fight with two days ago - Ok jerk, in order for me to have moved the guy who was in front of me needed to get off the train first. Then you have the nerve to tell me that if I don't move you are going to move me, as you are walking off the train. How about you step back over here and I'll move my foot up your backside. People like this really set me off. It's just such stupidity for absolutely no reason.

Here are my top 5 annoying people on the subway. What are yours?

Just One of Those Days

Today was one of those weird days on the morning subway commute. There was some random police investigation along the 4 line and it was taking forever for a 4 train to show up.

Sometimes I feel like just turning around and going back home when the commute in the morning becomes a hassle. Sitting at home I wouldn't have people grabbing my butt, pushing me out of the way, or not stepping aside when I need to get off the train.

Surviving A Crowded Subway Car

So, I have a complaint. Why is it that when a person in front of you on the subway knows you are trying to leave the train the other passenger(s) don't step aside? Here is another little doozie. When you are trying to get out of the way for other passengers, why do other people get angry at you?

I find this is a common problem for subway commuters, especially on the 4 train that I ride everyday. Supposedly the MTA is adding a new Lexington Avenue line by 2015. But until that day arrives I think it's time New Yorkers learn how to step into the train car and be considerate of other passengers.

Subway Etiquette 101: Seating Arrangements

OK, so here is another problem I have with the subways. Why do passengers on the trains have this urgent need to sit on other peoples laps? I mean, while I appreciate the cheap feels, this is not the best or most comfortable way I want to begin my morning.

I understand that seats on the subway are tight, but if the seat in between two people is empty and your big ass can't fit, why would you sit there? Have you ever done a puzzle? If you have then you might have heard the phrase, "If it don't fit, don't force it." I declare that this phrase be made a rule to be applied to seating on trains, buses, and any other form of public transportation.

By the way, I think everyone should familiarize themselves with the Rules of the Ride.

MTA Service Changes

So there are a bunch of Service Advisories for the subways this weekend. If you are going to be working or traveling around the city here are some places to look out for:

1 - October 25th to the 27th 2008 - 1 Trains are skipping 28th,23, and 18th streets between 12:01 AM Saturday and 5AM Monday. There are also no 1 trains between 14th street and South Ferry. There will be a shuttle bus to take you to stations between 14th street and South Ferry.

Supposedly they are making changes to improve the system (Which we probably won't see till 2015)

4 - Brooklyn Bound Trains are skipping Bergen Street, Grand Army Plaza, and Eastern Pkwy. Your best bet here is to take the 4 to Franklin Ave., and transfer to a Manhattan Bound 2,3, or 4 Train

F - Manhattan Bound trains are skipping Ft Hamilton Pkwy, 15 St-Prospect Pk, and
4 Av. I would take a Coney Island-bound F to 7 or Church Avs and transfer to a Manhattan-bound F.

For more service advisories your best bet is to check the MTA website.

Subway Etiquette 101: The Meaning of Stand Clear of the Closing Doors

For anyone who has ridden any NYC Subway, has heard the announcement, "Step in and stand clear of the closing doors." Well this lesson I am breaking into two parts.

Part 1: Step in -

Step in does not mean stand in front of the doors when you know you aren't getting off the train for 5 or 6 stops. There are so many times, like today for instance, that tons of people will stand in front of the door leaving tons of space in the middle of the train car.

This is upsurd, I can understand if you are getting off the next stop. But, if you are taking the train several stops, there is absolutely no reason why you can't step into the middle of the car.

Part 2: Stand clear of the closing doors -

In simple terms this means move your butts away from the door, so that the door can close, and the train can get you to your destination faster. I apologize if this seems to be a very common sense thing, but I swear passengers of the NYC Transit System are ridiculous.