Let me cut to the chase, New Yorkers have places to go and people to see, and nothing is more annoying than a tourist disrupting sidewalk traffic to take a picture of the Empire State Building, or something minor like not having your coins ready to board an MTA bus. It just wastes time, so whenever you’re out and about, whether taking a leisurely stroll or rushing to class, keep these tips in mind:
Don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk.
I repeat. Don’t. Unless you want a bunch of people crashing into or swerving around you. If you need to check your phone, veer out of traffic towards a building and stop there. Quick Tip: You still have five seconds to cross a street after the red hand stops blinking.
Keep right.
Walking slow? Keep right, to let the speed walkers by. Standing on an escalator? Keep right, to make way for those in a hurry. It’s that simple.
Invest in a small umbrella.
New York becomes a tedious city to get around in during the rain, especially in Midtown. I’m talking packed streets and umbrellas everywhere, half of the time you’re either trying to avoid poking someone in the eye or getting poked yourself. Especially by that one person who takes up a sidewalk space with their giant golf umbrella. Please invest in a smaller one (plus: they’re generally lighter and fit in most bags!).
Avoid puddles.
This is for your own sake, when it rains, walk a little bit furthur to avoid the puddles around the curb. Not only is the water simply gross looking, it’s surprisingly deep.
Check your MetroCard balance before boarding a bus.
You don’t want to be holding up a bunch of busy New Yorkers by having to excuse your way off the bus if you don’t have at least $2.75 on your card. The same goes to having your coins ready. Note: Card Readers are available in all subway stations.
Keep your belongings to yourself.
I’m sure you love your bag, but it doesn’t need its own seat on the subway or bus. Especially when there’s an elderly or a pregnant woman in the same car as you.
Don’t eat on public transit.
No one wants to smell your elaborate meal, neither do they want to get anything onto their shirts, stick to granola bars or chips.
Don’t hog the subway pole.
Just don’t. Why would you do that.
Let people off the train before you board.
Just wait. They will get out. The train won’t leave you. Trying to shove yourself in will only create more problems.
And finally…