NYC Subway Basics
What does the letter or number on a subway line represent?
The subway route/line.
What should you do before getting on a subway train?
Let people exit first.
What is one thing you should always be aware of while riding the subway?
Your surroundings.
You miss your stop. What’s the safest thing to do?
Get off at the next stop and switch directions.
Who wears a uniform and works in subway stations and trains?
MTA employees.
What does a black-and-white striped sign at a station usually indicate?
Where the conductor's cart will be
Where should backpacks be placed on crowded trains?
On the floor or held in front of you.
True or False: It’s safer to stand near the conductor’s car at night.
True.
Someone is making you uncomfortable on the train. What should you do?
Move away, switch cars, or tell an adult/staff member.
What button can you press in a subway station during an emergency?
You enter a station and see signs for the A train Uptown and A train Downtown. You need to go to 125th Street from 59th Street. Which direction do you take and why?
Uptown, because 125th Street is north of 59th Street.
The train is crowded and you’re standing near the door. Several people need to get off at the next stop. What should you do?
Step out briefly or move aside to let them exit.
It’s late and your car is nearly empty, but the next car is crowded. What is the safer choice and why?
Move to the crowded car because there are more people and visibility.
A train suddenly stops between stations and the conductor announces a delay. Some passengers start panicking. What should you do?
Stay calm, remain on the train, and listen for instructions.
Who should you ask for help if you’re lost and feel unsafe?
A station agent, conductor, or police officer.
You get on an express train by accident, and your stop is skipped. What is the safest and correct way to fix this?
Get off at the next stop and transfer or take the train back.
You’re on a packed train and someone is loudly playing music without headphones. What is the most respectful and safest response?
Ignore it, move away, or change cars instead of confronting them.
You notice someone pacing, yelling, and making other riders uncomfortable. What should you do?
Keep distance, avoid engagement, move cars, and alert staff if needed.
Someone you don’t know asks you to help them carry something off the train into an empty area of the station. What’s the safest choice?
Politely decline and stay in public, well-lit areas.
You’re lost, stressed, and your phone isn’t working. Who should you ask for help and where?
A uniformed MTA employee or police officer in the station.
A station has both local and express trains. Google Maps shows your train arriving sooner, but it’s express. How do you decide whether to take it?
Check if the express stops at your station or plan a transfer.
You and your friends are joking loudly and taking up space during rush hour. What etiquette rules apply, and why do they matter?
Keep voices down and make space; it keeps the train safer and more comfortable.
You’re traveling with a younger sibling who drops something onto the tracks. What is the safest response?
Do not go on the tracks; tell a station agent or MTA employee.
You witness a fight starting in your subway car. What is the safest action?
Move to another car or exit at the next station and alert authorities.
A friend wants to ask a random rider for help instead of an MTA worker. Why might this be a poor choice?
Riders aren’t trained or responsible for safety situations.