Riding Safely
MTA New York City Transit is interested in your
safety. In fact, it's our foremost concern. We want to let you know some
simple steps you can take to avoid injury or incident in our subway stations
or on board our trains and buses. The information below contains more than
fifty safety tips and lots of other information that can help you ride safely
and securely.
- Subway Safety
- Customer Evacuation Procedures
- View Customer Safety-Train Evacuation Video
- Bus Safety
- Subway and Bus Security
- Sexual Harassment
- Bicycle Safety in the Subway
- Pedestrian Safety
Cross with Caution Brochure (PDF)
Text version of the Brochure
Most subway accidents result from slips, trips,
and falls on stairways when someone is in a rush. The best safety advice
we can give you is: slow down when you are on the stairs, and hold the handrail.
On Platforms
Some trains are shorter (have fewer cars) when
it's not rush hour because there are fewer passengers using the subway.
Some short trains operate without a conductor. On those trains, the train
operator opens and closes the doors, makes station announcements, and assists
customers, if needed. Consider waiting at the center of the platform at
these times. At most stations, there are signs that read: During Off-Hours,
Trains Stop Here. If you stand near the center of the platform near the
sign, you won't have to rush when the train arrives.
While you're waiting, please stand behind the
yellow protective strip, away from the platform edge. No matter what situation
arises, keep off the tracks. Tracks contain 600 volts of live electricity.
If you drop something on the tracks, go to the station booth and tell the
agent.
In Subway Cars
You risk serious injury if you ride on top
of the train (surfing) or ride holding onto outside doors (skylarking).
It’s also against the law.
Boarding between subway cars may seem like a time-saver, but it is highly dangerous. It's also dangerous to try to keep subway doors from closing when you are entering or exiting the train. They are not like elevator doors and will not reopen automatically. In addition, make sure that pocketbooks, knapsacks, clothing, packages, umbrellas, and other personal items are clear of the closing doors. When you're inside a moving train, never ride between cars or lean against doors. When you are standing, always hold on.
Boarding between subway cars may seem like a time-saver, but it is highly dangerous. It's also dangerous to try to keep subway doors from closing when you are entering or exiting the train. They are not like elevator doors and will not reopen automatically. In addition, make sure that pocketbooks, knapsacks, clothing, packages, umbrellas, and other personal items are clear of the closing doors. When you're inside a moving train, never ride between cars or lean against doors. When you are standing, always hold on.
Using the Emergency Cord
Use the emergency cord only to prevent an accident
or injury. For example, if someone gets caught between closing subway car
doors and is being dragged, pull the cord. But if your train is between
stations and someone aboard becomes ill, do not pull the emergency cord.
The train will stop, preventing medical professionals from reaching the
sick passenger. A sick person is better off if the train goes to the nearest
station where police and medical services will be waiting or can be quickly
summoned, without interruption.
On Escalators
Never run or walk on escalators; always hold
the handrail and face forward. If you're with a child, hold hands. (It's
not a good idea for small children to hold escalator handrails.)
Escalator steps are always moving and have spaces
that can grab. This means you should avoid resting packages (or yourself)
on the stairs. You'll also want to keep clothing and shoes away from the
sides. In addition, make sure that laces on footwear are tied. When you
leave an escalator, step off, rather than ride off.
On Elevators
Children don't know that they can get hurt by
elevator doors. You need to keep youngsters away from them. So, either hold
children's hands or, if you're using a stroller, keep children's hands inside
and never use a stroller to block closing doors. Watch clothing, bags, and
other personal items — they can get caught in closing doors too.
With Baby Strollers
Fold strollers so that you can carry infants
on stairs or escalators. Strap your child in snugly at all other times.
When you're on the platform, keep the stroller
away from the edge and apply the stroller brake. That's because platforms
tilt toward the tracks to allow for drainage, and the stroller could roll
onto the tracks.
Never place a stroller between closing subway
car doors. Watch out for the gap between the platforms edge and train when
you board. (That's always a good idea, even when you're traveling alone.)
And it's better if you board in the center of the train. The conductor is
usually there, making it easier to get attention in case of problem.
Don't run for the bus -- that's when most customer
accidents happen. Slips, trips, and falls are the most common causes of
injuries. If you're at the front of the bus, please stay behind the white
line. Avoid standing in the stairwell (rear door step) or leaning against
the rear door. And if you're a wheelchair user, please allow the bus operator
to secure your chair.
When traveling with an infant and a baby stroller, the stroller should be folded before entering the bus and should remain folded for the duration of the trip.
While you're riding, keep your head and arms inside bus windows.
When traveling with an infant and a baby stroller, the stroller should be folded before entering the bus and should remain folded for the duration of the trip.
While you're riding, keep your head and arms inside bus windows.
When you're ready to get off, signal the bus
operator two blocks before your stop so that he or she has sufficient time
to stop smoothly. We also advise holding the railing when you exit the bus,
especially in winter. Bus steps and sidewalks become slippery from snow.
As you leave the bus, watch for cars. (This is particularly important when
the bus operator has not been able to pull completely into the bus stop.)
Also, avoid crossing in front of the bus after you get off.
Request a Stop
Bus customers who travel between 10 p.m. and
5 a.m. can Request-a-Stop. Ask the bus operator to let you off anywhere
along the route, even if it isn't a designated stop. The bus operator will
comply as long as he or she thinks it's a safe location. This bus will still
make all regularly scheduled stops.
As a general precaution, whether you're in the
subway, the bus, or even in the street, appear confident. Always look as
if you know where you're going, and you're better off not displaying money
in public.
Officers in 12 Transportation Bureau Police
districts are responsible for keeping subway stations safe. On the streets,
a special police unit responds to bus crimes throughout New York City. Undercover
officers travel on bus routes to stop problems as they occur. And, if you're
alert and aware, you can make your subway and bus trips even more secure.
Off-Hours Waiting Areas
Avoid standing at the end of subway platforms
or on an empty platform. Instead, wait in the Off-Hours Waiting Area,
particularly at night. Most stations have one, generally located on the
mezzanine level, near a station booth. Speak to the station agent or
other NYC Transit employees (who wear bright orange vests) if you have
a problem. Use a Customer assistance intercom (mounted on a platform
column) to get help in a station where you're not visible to the station
agent. When you speak into the Customer assistance intercom,
the agent can speak with you. You can also use a public phone on the
mezzanine or platform to dial 911 (the police) if you need help. This
call is free. Each station booth posts the district and phone number
of the NYPD unit that patrols the station. When it's not an emergency,
use this number to contact the police. Electronic signs in many Off-Hours
Waiting Areas indicate when a train is approaching the station. If you
wait near the sign, you will have enough time to walk to the platform
as the train arrives.
Protect Yourself Against
Pickpockets
Stay awake. A pickpocket's easiest victim is
a sleeping passenger. If you feel drowsy, it's best to get up and stand,
or take another seat. When you find yourself alone in an empty subway car,
move to a car that has a conductor (usually in the center of the train),
a train operator (front car), or other riders. Being alert and staying in
a subway car with other people are always good precautions.
Although pickpockets often target people who
are alone and asleep, they know how to operate in crowds as well. That's
why you should be wary of being pushed or bumped. But even when there aren't
many people around you on a bus or in the subway, never keep your wallet
or money in a back pocket, and keep all bags, backpacks, and pocketbooks
securely closed. Overlooking these things can make you an easy target. Keep
alert if you see or hear a commotion. It could be a pickpocket's trick to
divert your attention. And speaking of remaining alert, be extra cautious
if you use headsets. They tend to reduce your awareness.
If your pocket is picked while you're on a bus,
call out to the bus operator immediately. He or she can request police assistance.
How to avoid Bag or Chain
Snatching
Bag and chain snatchers are more obvious than
pickpockets, but the result is the same. Following a few precautions can
better protect our valuables.
MTA New York City Transit is serious about safety
especially your safety. We hope you consider these messages when you ride
with us and that they become standard practice for you throughout your daily
trip.
Protect yourself in the subway
Follow your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable about a person or location, remove yourself immediately from the area.
If you think you are being touched, but are not sure – assume you ARE being touched, and move.
During non-rush hours, wait for trains in the designated waiting areas.
Avoid empty subway cars.
Use subway exits where there is the most activity. That’s usually the 24-hour booth entrance.
Become knowledgeable about the neighborhood around your station – which stores, restaurants, and business are open late at night.
Always know your location. You must have your exact location if you call 911.
Protect yourself when walking
Remain alert and aware of your surroundings.
Keep the volume down on your music so you can hear the surrounding sounds.
If someone suspicious is behind or ahead of you, cross the street. If necessary, crisscross from one side to the other.
Walk close to the curb to avoid passing too close to shrubbery, dark doorways, and other places of concealment.
Follow your instincts
If you think you are being touched on the subway or on the street, don’t second-guess yourself – don’t stand for it, or feel ashamed, or be afraid to speak. Report it to an MTA employee or a police officer. Call 911 immediately to report an attack or incident. Call the Police Department’s Sex Crime Report Hotline to report past attacks or incidents at 212-267-RAPE (7273). All calls are kept confidential.
Cross with Caution
A pedestrian’s list of busy intersections in New York City’s five boroughs, with tips to cross streets more safely.OUR DRIVERS...
At NYC Transit, we celebrate our bus operators' safe-driving skills with anannual Safe Bus Operator Appreciation Day. Drivers who are accident free for three or more consecutive years are honored. Most recently, 1500 such operators were recognized.
Here are just a few examples of our safety programs:
• Every bus operator receives an annual safety refresher course at our Training Center.
• Bus operators must take a New YorkState 19A road test every two years.
• The Bus Command Center makes daily announcements to bus operators concerning safety.
We promote safe-driving in a variety of ways as part of a comprehensive internal safety campaign.
MTA New York City Transit wants you to be a safe, well-informed customer and pedestrian. Safety awareness can prevent accidents. Here we list the intersections, by borough, with the highest number of incidents involving buses, other vehicles and pedestrians. Nearly 500 incidents involving either pedestrians or other vehicles were reported in the 12 months between January 2006 and December 2006. Crossing any street requires your full attention, but the streets on this list require extra caution.
STATEN ISLAND
Cross with caution:
•Castleton Av at Jewett Av
•Victory Blvd at Cebra Av
•Richmond Av at Arthur Kill Rd
•Queensdale St at Clove Rd
•Victory Blvd at Brook St
•Victory Blvd at Richmond Av
•Yukon Av at Lott Lane
•Amboy Rd at Main St
•Arthur Kill Rd at Annadale Rd
•Narrows Rd North at Targee St
•Hylan Blvd at Buel Av
•Vanderbilt Av at Targee St
•Yukon Av at Richmond Av
•Hylan Blvd at Tysens Lane
•Bement Av at Castleton Av
•Rector St at Castleton Av
•Hylan Blvd at Midland Av
•Richmond Av at Forest Av
THE BRONX
Cross with caution:
•Gun Hill Rd and Bainbridge Av
•East Fordham Rd at 3 Av
•Webster Av at East Fordham Rd
•Southern Blvd at East Fordham Rd
•Bartow Av at Ely Av
•East Fordham Rd at Marion Av
•West Kingsbridge Rd at University Av
•East Gun Hill Rd at Webster Av
•Grand Concourse at East Fordham Rd
•East Tremont Av at Westchester Av
•White Plains Rd at Pelham Pkwy
QUEENS
Cross with caution:
•Main St at Roosevelt Av
•Traffic Av at Gates Av
•Metropolitan Av at Fresh Pond Rd
•41 Rd at Main St
•Merrick Blvd at Linden Blvd
•Archer Av at Merrick Blvd
•LaGuardia Airport roadways
•188 St at Union Tpke
•Sutphin Blvd at Archer Av
•Sutphin Blvd at Jamaica Av
•Hillside Av at 170 St
•Broadway at Justice Av
•67 Av at Fresh Pond Rd
•165 St at Hillside Av
•Hillside Av at 168 St
•108 St at Horace Harding Expwy
•Archer Av at Parsons Blvd
BROOKLYN
Cross with caution:
•Myrtle Av at Broadway
•Flatbush Av at Glenwood Rd
•Flatbush Av at Av U
•Rockaway Pkwy at Glenwood Rd
•Flatbush Av at Nostrand Av
•Flatbush Av at Kings Hwy
•Gowanus Expwy at Prospect Expwy
•Jay St at Willoughby St
•Atlantic Av at 4 Av
•Gowanus Expwy at Belt Pkwy
•Jay St at Tillary St
•4 Av at 86 St
MANHATTAN
Cross with caution:
•West 34 St at 7 Av
•2 Av at East 126 St
•Lexington Av at East 42 St
•West 42 St at 8 Av
•West 125 St at Lenox Av
•Park Av at East 57 St
•3 Av at East 55 St
•East 23 St at 3rd Av
•West 125 St at Amsterdam Av
•West 42 St at 7 Av
TIPS
Be an extra cautious pedestrian:
• Never assume the bus operator sees you.
On the street, anything from lamp-posts, newsstands, and double-parked vehicles can cause blind spots and/or obscure the bus operator’s view.
• Don’t cross the street between parked cars.
When you walk between parked cars into traffic, you might not be visible to drivers. Walk defensively. Cross at the corner, when the traffic sign indicates you can go.
• Stand back as the bus gets closer.
Your natural response may be to get nearer to the curb as your bus comes into view. You are much safer movinga few steps back until the bus comes to a complete stop.
