The Usa Subway Services: Interest Facts And Protocols You Need To Know

There are many fascinating services on offer in the many cities and towns in the USA and the subway services are surely one of the best. When you speak about public transport in any big city like New York City, you immediately think of the subway service. It is a fast, smooth and affordable mode of transportation that millions of people use. Take a look at this article to know more about the subway and train services in NYC and other major cities in the US and learn to use them more productively.

The services are not limited to New York City

The word Subway has become synonymous with New York City, but it is interesting to note that the services are not limited to just NYC. There are several other cities in the USA that also have underground train services, much like the subway service in NYC. In fact, the L Train service in Chicago is the oldest in the country and has been operational since 1892. Other cities where you will find an excellent urban train network include Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta, San Francisco and Boston to name a few. All the services are very impressive and help migrant workers and students a lot to travel on a budget.

Escalator code

As a new resident in the US, you may find some rules and protocols to be very different from those in India. For example, the subway and other train stations have an escalator code. If you want to stand while the escalator takes you up or down, you have to stand on the right. The left side of the escalator is the ‘pass’ side where people walk and go ahead. So do not block the left side by simply standing. Move to your right if you wish to stand. Similarly, do not try to walk from the right side, as that would be inconvenient to the people standing.

Metro cards are available

There are fare cards available for almost all the train services in the US. You get the MetroCard for the NYC subway, the Breeze Card for MARTA in Atlanta and CharlieCards for the Boston Metro. These cards offer cost-effective ride fares so look to get a suitable card if you use the train services in your city regularly.

Always use headphones

The subway rides can be long and time-consuming. As a result, you may wish to listen to music or watch a movie on your phone. However, always use headphones when you are inside a train. It is considered to be very rude and disrespectful to fellow commuters if you listen to any media without a headphone and is sternly looked down upon. Carry headphones and avoid getting stares and remarks from the other train passengers.

Maintain basic etiquette

There are some unspoken rules that every passenger using the trains in all American cities follows. If you are living in the country and using the public transport system, you are also expected to follow these protocols. For example, you should never block the entrance of the train while getting in or getting out. Step to the side and wait for the doors to open. You should always allow the people to get off the train before you begin boarding. Also, when standing inside a moving train, never lean on a pole as that prevents other people from holding on to the pole. And finally, never sit with your legs up. It is considered to be very rude and people do not appreciate you doing it at any cost.

Know the codes and numbers

The different cities have different codes and numbers for their train services. For example, Boston has a colour-coded system and you find the Green Line and the Orange Line, among others. In New York, the lines are identified by numbers, so you may have to catch a 1, 2 or 3 train. Be aware of the codes applicable in the city you reside as this will make it easier for you to commute on the best available route.