A Guide to Public Transportation in New York City
New York City is one of the largest cities in the United States and home to over 10 million people. The city of New York includes 5 boroughs: Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Bronx. Most tourists or people outside the state of NY think that New York City only includes Manhattan but as you can see it also includes 4 other boroughs.
Public transportation is really great and there is nothing like it in New York City. New York City is perhaps one of the most accessible cities in the world and you almost will never need a car to get anywhere. Like most cities there are metro buses. About half are owned by the city while the other half are private bus companies. Both private and public bus lines run about every 15 minutes to each stop because there are so many buses and so many people who need to get to destinations in the city. The buses are air conditioned and have leather seats. The buses travel all around the city and to each of the 5 boroughs as well. The cost of a local bus is around $2 while an express bus will cost $4 each way.
One of the most unique modes of transportation is the underground subway system. The subway trains run to each train stop around every 10 minutes or less. The trains travel to all 5 boroughs as well and the cost for each time entering the subway is $2. The trains are air conditioned but sometimes there are delays.
The subway system is always undergoing maintenance as new elevators are in the process of being built so that handicapped people can use the subway system. Underground while people wait for the train to come, there are news stands where people can buy a newspaper or magazine or a snack while you wait for the train.
The trains run periodically at each stop, around every 5-10 minutes they arrive at the station. At each train station there is a subway map to tell you which train you need to get to your destination. The subway cars are all air conditioned because it gets so hot and humid underground in the subway system. The conductors of the trains make announcements over the loudspeaker to announce to passengers any delays on the track and any other trains that a passenger can switch to at the next stop. The conductor also announces the name of the next train stop.
In addition to the subway system, there are also many different trains that go from city to city. These trains can be found at Penn Station. Penn Station in Manhattan is one of the nicest train stations in the nation. The place is huge with an abundance of news stands, restaurants, and sitting areas. There are so many people who travel through Penn Station every day.
The restaurants at Penn Station include places like Junior’s, a cheesecake restaurant. There are sandwich places and other fast food stores. There is never a long wait to buy a bus ticket because there are so many ticket tellers.
What is most striking about Penn Station is the design and beautiful decorations. There are crystal chandeliers and marble tile floors. The ceiling is very high up and Penn Station has several floors. Train tickets from Penn Station travel to almost any city around the United States. Finally, security is very good and there are policemen everywhere to give you directions and make sure that the train station is safe.
Another means of transportation are the taxis which furiously go up and down the city in search of customers. Cabs can be expensive and just for getting in the cab you have to pay $2 no matter if you are going 1 block or 1 mile. The rate of the cab charge is done by the distance you are traveling. The further your destination is the more the trip will cost you. Also, you should tip the cab drivers which is customary in New York City.
