Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
that surround Manhattan. Be aware of local laws, such as the fact that you can't make a
right on red (like you can in the rest of the state) and also the fact that every other street
is one way.
FERRY
connects spots in Brooklyn (Greenpoint, North and South Williamsburg and Dumbo) and
Queens (Long Island City) with Manhattan (Pier 11 at Wall St and E 35th St). And
New
a fleet of zippy yellow boats that run along several different routes, including a hop-on,
hop-off weekend service around Manhattan and Brooklyn.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
subway and bus systems. Depending on the train line, time of day and whether the door
slams in your face or not, New York City's 100-year-old round-the-clock subway system
(per ride $2.50) is your best friend or worst enemy. The 656-mile system can be intimid-
ating at first, but regardless of its faults it's an incredible resource and achievement, link-
ing the most disparate neighborhoods in a continually pulsating network. Maps should be
available for the taking at every stop. To board, you must purchase a MetroCard, avail-
able at windows and self-serve machines, which accept change, dollars or credit/debit
cards; purchasing many rides at once works out cheaper per trip.
If you're not in a big hurry, consider taking the bus (per ride $2.50). You get to see the
world go by, they run 24/7 and they're easy to navigate - going crosstown at all the ma-
jor street byways (14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, 72nd Sts and all the others that are two-way
roads) and uptown or downtown, depending which avenue they serve. You can pay with
a MetroCard or exact change but not bills. Transfers from one line to another are free, as
are transfers to or from the subway.
TAXI
The classic NYC yellow cab is no longer a boxy gas-guzzling behemoth but rather a
streamlined hybrid model, outfitted with mini-TVs and credit-card machines. No matter
the make or year of the car, however, expect a herky-jerky, somewhat out-of-control ride.
Current fares are $2.50 for the initial charge (first one-fifth mile), 50¢ each additional
one-fifth mile, as well as per 60 seconds of being stopped in traffic, $1 peak surcharge
(weekdays 4pm to 8pm), and 50¢ night surcharge (8pm to 6am daily). Tips are expected
to be 10% to 15%; minivan cabs can hold five passengers. You can only hail a cab that
