The subway platforms and cars can get pretty crowded, especially during the morning and evening rush, so don’t stay near the platform edge, don’t put your phone and wallet in your back pocket (where a pickpocket can get to it easily on a crowded subway car), don’t stare at anyone (as hard as that may be, sometimes), and certainly don’t get involved in any arguments (if there is a crazy or disruptive passenger on the same subway car as you, just switch to another car at the next stop).Ī lot of New Yorkers find reasons to complain about the subway fairly regularly. You might even spot the occasional superhero (see Captain America relaxing on the subway when you scroll down): The longer answer is that you still need to be vigilant, use common sense, and exercise caution. And these days, because the subway is generally safe and ridership is at a high, there will often be as many people on the subway (in Manhattan) at midnight as there will be at noon – maybe more. And when New York City violent crime is near record lows and subway ridership is at record highs, it is safe to assume nothing will happen to you on the subway. The subway system (just like city parks) reflects the overall safety of the city.

Subway lines new york