Trainspotting New York

New York may be a big city but its attractions and landmarks are mostly walkable but in  most cases you’ll find the subway  faster.  As for my experience, the subway is efficient and affordable way to get around  New York with a  ride that normally cost around $2.25. And  despite all the  hundred stations and different transfer , traveling thru the subway is quite easy as long as you have the map and know your destination. 

Another reason what I loved about the subway is convenience. Whereas in the MRT I’m used to the hassle inspection during the entry before riding the trains, in NYC passing through turns out to be a breeze. You can even bring your bike in the train. Though you have to prepare for some random inspection when carrying big luggage.   And the best of it all is most of the lines are open 24-7. 

Arts for Transit From top to bottom 1) Oculus -Chambers St/WTC 2)Whirls and Twirls - 59th St Columbus Circle 3)Alice:The Way Out -50th St 4)As Above,So Below - Grand Central 5)Blooming - 59th St Lexington Ave 6)Broadway Diary - 8th St 7)City Glow - Union Square 8)Carrying On - Prince St 9)When Animals Speak - 34th St Penn Station 10)Artemis,Acrobats,Divas and Dancers - 60th St Lincoln Center 11) Be Good or Be Gone - 98th St/Playland 12) The Revelers - Times Square/42nd St

This is to not to say that the NYC subway has its imperfection.  Graffiti, horrible smell, rubbish litter and homeless guy are often associated with the New York subway. More than being a transportation,  subway is home to the musicians and performance artists abound underground. Be on the lookout  for the many varied form of artworks into the tiled station walls.  

Prepare to be entertain by subway performers

While waiting for a train you’ll hear a loud banging sound emanating from the patch darkness across the track.  Upon boarding you’ll be surprised by the ongoing  things before reaching out your destination. Most people are plugged in with their headset listening to their taste of music and some sing-along so loud.  Some are buried  reading their Kindle or softbound New York Time best seller.  It can be annoying at times when you come across passengers whose in  a heated argument conversation in their phone punctuating the word FUCK in every statement.  Also watch out for the homeless guy with plastic bag demanding money out of you.  And just like any other public transportation in the world it gets jam packed at rush hours,like a stampede of bulls charging at you to either go in or out of the train carts at this time  
And last but not the least my favorite scene would be  the public display affection of couples, making out all the way from Cortland to Union Square Station (that’s around 4 stations, and I have to say nainggit ako don-LOL). You just never know what you’ll find on the New York subway but nevertheless it’s an adventure.

Photo credit: Lucas Jackson's A New York Love Story