Transportation

Subway stops are identified by big green (open) or red (closed in the evenings) lights. Pick up a subway and bus map. Stops for buses and subways are located every few blocks. Check the stops on the trains before you get on and it’s a good idea to talk to the person in the token booth. But beware… if there’s a long line behind you, people are apt to get annoyed with you if you hold up the line. All stops have large subway maps near the token booth.

Bus Stops are identified by a yellow painted curb and a sign with a bus emblem and routes. Stops sport a rectangular box displaying route maps and bus numbers known as "Guide-A-Ride". Check the route and whether it stops at your destination. Local buses have prefixes before their numbers. 'M' is for Manhattan, 'B' for Brooklyn, 'Bx' for Bronx, 'Q' for Queens, and 'S' for Staten island. A bus with an orange "Limited" card means that the bus stops only at major intersections and tourist attractions. Local buses halt at all stops.

All New York buses can 'kneel.' They tilt sideways for easy boarding. If you ask the driver, he will activate the wheelchair lift.

You will not get a ticket while boarding buses. There is no bus conductor. You have to insert coins in a box beside the driver. The fare box will not accept dollar bills or pennies. Keep exact fare of $1.50 handy. Nickels, dimes, quarters, or subway tokens. Buy tokens and MetroCards (see section on Metro Cards) at subway stations. Children (under 44 inches or 111 cm) travel free if accompanied by an adult.

When seats are unavailable, hang on to the overhead bars and stand to the end of the bus. Signal the driver to stop one block before your destination. Push tape strips beside the window for this. Exit from the rear door. A green light indicates that the door can be opened.

Buying a ‘Metro Card’ allows you flexibility to buy for a fixed amount of rides (both on the subway and buses), or for unlimited travel for a day, week or month. Cards are available in all subway stations. One ride costs $1.50. But a $15 dollar card gives you 1 free ride. You can buy the card from the token booth person or from a vending machine, which accepts bills and gives you change. Follow instructions on the touch screen. It’s easy.

Cross the street only at intersections. Remember, there is a fine for jaywalking. Sometimes, streets will have a button to push to activate the green light signal. But this is not always the case. Don’t get caught jaywalking!

Are available all over the city. And unoccupied cab will sport a lit ‘Taxi’ sign on top. An occupied cab will have this light turned off. A cab that is off duty will say so on top. Simply stand at a spot where the cab can pull over and wave your arms up and down till a cab stops. Signalling to an off duty or occupied cab is signalling that you are a tourist! Remember to tell the driver exactly where you’re going. You will see lines (queues) of people waiting for taxis in front of major areas such as Penn Station or Madison Square Garden. Get in line and wait your turn. New Yorkers frown on people cutting these lines.

If you’re travelling from outside Manhattan (or it’s rush hour) look in the yellow pages under “Car Services” and call a cab in advance. Especially if the weather is bad, you may have problems finding a cab.

If you have to rent a car, use a well-known company like Avis or Hertz.

Drive on the right hand side of the road. You cannot turn right on a red light.

Never park where the red street-cleaning symbol is displayed. Your car might be stuck there the whole night.

When towed contact the nearest police station; they will direct you to the Department of Transportation. Cars are kept in a warehouse on the West of Manhattan.

Blowing your horn in a residential area or tunnel is frowned upon and may cost $100 in fines.

Do not entertain panhandlers (beggars) or window washers at a red light.

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Police cars are equipped with breath analysers. Your car will be seized and you will find yourself in jail.

Most gas stations (petrol pumps) are self-service. Machines are often equipped to accept credit card payments. Ask questions if you’re unsure.

Some traffic signals are equipped with video cameras. Don't wonder if you get a traffic violation ticket in your mailbox.

Adhere to speed limits while driving. The fines imposed for speeding are quite high, and they reflect on your driving record too.

If you’re leaving your car parked on the roads, don’t leave anything valuable in it.