Getting Around New York

Manhattan's streets are laid out in a grid pattern. Streets run east-west and avenues run north-south. Fifth Avenue is the dividing line between east and west addresses. Though Avenue of the Americas is the official name. New Yorkers rarely use it, preferring the original Sixth Avenue instead. Generally, even-numbered streets are eastbound; odd-numbered streets are westbound. In lower Manhattan (below 14th St.) most streets have names rather than numbers. North of Houston (HOW-stun) Street (with the exception of Greenwich Village), blocks are generally short and wide. To locate a particular address, consult the Manhattan Address Locator in the Yellow Pages.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) oversees an extensive network of buses, subway and commuter trains throughout the area. MTA New York City Transit runs the city bus and subway lines.

NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT

The Travel Information Center
(718-330-1234; www.mta.nyc.ny.us) provides route and fare information for subway and bus lines. System maps and timetables are available (free) on buses and at all subway stations, visitor information centers, and most hotels. In this guide, subway and bus stops are indicated with the MTA symbol.

Subway -The subway is the most efficient way to navigate the city. Subway entrances are indicated on street level by a staircase descending (in some cases, ascending) to the station. Large globes also mark the stations: a green globe indicates that you can buy tokens or MetroCards; stations with a red globe have no token booths— you must have the fare available to enter. Virtually all lines run 24hrs/day every 2-5 minutes during rush hours, every 5-12 minutes during the day, and every 20 minutes between midnight and 5am. The cost is $2 per ride, no matter how far you're traveling. Purchasing a MetroCard saves you money on multiple rides. Platform signs indicate which trains stop at the station (Uptown trains are northbound; Downtown trains are southbound). Signs on the side of each train list the route number or letter. Local trains stop at every station; express trains do not. Conductors announce each stop. Because of ongoing track work, trains may be rerouted, especially late at night (midnightSam); changes are usually posted in stations near the turnstiles—read them carefully. When riding the subway late at night, avoid isolated areas ("off-peak waiting areas" are provided in stations), and ride in the car carrying the train's conductor (located in the fourth car of the train).

Buses - New York City Transit buses generally operate daily 5:30am-2am. Some routes on major corridors run 24hrs/day. Weekend hours may be reduced on some lines. During weekdays, most buses run every 5-15min; frequency varies at other times. Pick-up points are recognizable by tall, round signs bearing the bus emblem and route number. Route maps are displayed at most bus stops and shelters. Stops are made at posted locations, two to three blocks apart. Stops may be made at other locations along regular routes upon request between 10pm and 5am. If you are unsure about the route, verify your desired stop with the driver. Route numbers are displayed on the front and sides (sometimes back) of each bus. Local bus routes are indicated by a letter prefix indicating the borough in which that line
largely operates (for example M7):
M = Manhattan                        B = Brooklyn
Bx = Bronx                               Q = Queens
S = Staten Island

All buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and related features.

Fares - All system fares are $2 one way (exact fare is required for buses; $ 1 bills, pennies and half dollars are not accepted), with the exception of express bus fare, which is $4. The MetroCard automated fare card can be used on both systems and includes a free transfer for each fare, between subway and bus or bus to bus within 2hrs of paying the initial fare. MetroCard may be used to pay for up to 4 persons at a time. Up to 3 children (under 44 inches tall) may ride free when accompanied by an adult. Tokens are also accepted by subway or buses.

MetroCard offers several discount passes: 1 day (Fun Pass,$7), 7 days ($21) and 30 days ($70). Reduced fares are available for senior citizens and persons with qualifying disabilities (information:718-596-8585). MetroCards can be purchased (or value added) at subway stations and retail outlets. Discount passes are available only from authorized merchants, the Times Square Visitor Center, transit museum stores (Grand Central Terminal and downtown Brooklyn), and vending machines that are located in many stations.

Bus and subway travel information is available 24hrs (718-330-1234). Information can be obtained in 140 languages by calling 718-330-4847. Maps and schedules are also available online: www.mta.nyc.ny.us.

TAXIS

Only yellow taxi cabs with roof medallions showing the taxi number are authorized by the City of New York to pick up passengers on the street. All yellow medallion cabs are metered and share the same rate schedule (using other cabs may risk your personal safety): $2.50 upon entry, 40 cents each additional 1/5 mile. 20 cents/minute is charged while the cab is stopped or in slow traffic. A 50 cent surcharge is added between 8pm and 6am, and $1.00 surcharge weekdays between 4pm and 8pm. There are no extra fees for additional riders, although taxis are able to accept only 4 passengers. In addition to the metered rates, passengers are responsible for toll fees, and drivers are usually tipped 15%-20%. You can hail a taxi from the street in most areas in Manhattan; a taxi is available when its rooftop white number is lit. Taxi stands are located at most hotels, transportation terminals and entertainment centers (in other areas call for service). For more information, access the city's Taxi & Limousine Commission on-line at www.nyc.gov/html/tlc.

New York Water Taxi (212-742-1969; www.nywatertaxi.com) is another way to get around while avoiding city traffic. Water taxi pick-up and drop-off points are as follows: Paulus Hook Terminal in Jersey City to Pier 11 in Manhattan; East 34th St. in Manhattan or Hunters Point in Queens to Pier 11 in Manhattan; Hunters Point in Queens to E. 34th St. in Manhattan; Brooklyn Army Terminal in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn to Pier 11 in Manhattan; Fulton Ferry Landing in Brooklyn to Pier 11 in Manhattan (Mon-Fri 6:30am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10:30am-7pm; taxis run every 20min & during rush hours, every Wmin at the Paulus Hook Terminal in Jersey City to Pier II in Manhattan; hours vary by landing). When you purchase a water taxi ticket, you have options: one-way, one stop ($5); one-way, multiple stops ($10); all-day pass, unlimited stops ($20; valid the day of purchase and the day after).