Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Subway Service Interruption Notes
Subway service is always subject to change, for reasons rang-
ing from “a sick passenger” to regularly scheduled construc-
tion. Contact the
Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA)
for
details at
&
718/330-1234
or
www.mta.nyc.ny.us
, where
you'll find system updates that are thorough, timely, and
clear. (You can also sign up online to receive service advisories
by e-mail.) Also read any posters that are taped up on the
platform or notices written on the token booth's whiteboard.
If you've tried repeatedly and really can't make your MetroCard
work, tell the token booth clerk; chances are good, though, that
you'll get the movement down after a couple of uses.
If you're not sure how much money you have left on your Metro-
Card, or what day it expires, use the station's MetroCard Reader,
usually located near the station entrance or the token booth (on
buses, the fare box will also provide you with this information).
To locate the nearest MetroCard merchant, or for any other Metro-
Card questions, call
&
800/METROCARD
(out of NYC only) or
212/METROCARD (212/638-7622) Monday through Friday
between 7am and 11pm, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. Or
go online to
www.mta.nyc.ny.us/metrocard
, which can give you a
full rundown of MetroCard merchants in the tri-state area.
Using the System
As you can see from the subway map on the inside back cover of this
book, the subway system basically mimics the lay of the land above-
ground, with most lines in Manhattan running north and south, like
the avenues, and a few lines east and west, like the streets.
To go up and down the east side of Manhattan (and to the Bronx
and Brooklyn), take the 4, 5, or 6 train.
To travel up and down the West Side (and to the Bronx and
Brooklyn), take the 1, 2, or 3 line; the A, C, E, or F line; or the B or
D line.
The N, R, Q, and W lines first cut diagonally across town from
east to west and then snake under Seventh Avenue before shooting
out to Queens.
The crosstown S line, the Shuttle, runs back and forth between
Times Square and Grand Central Terminal. Farther downtown,
across 14th Street, the L line works its own crosstown magic.
