MTA New York City Transit is interested in your safety. In fact, its 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.

 

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Subway Safety

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 its 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 wont have to rush when the train arrives.

While youre 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

Boarding between subway cars may seem like a time-saver, but it is highly dangerous. Its 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 youre 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 youre with a child, hold hands. (Its 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. Youll 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 dont know that they can get hurt by elevator doors. You need to keep youngsters away from them. So, either hold childrens hands or, if youre using a stroller, keep childrens 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 youre on the platform, keep the stroller away from the edge and apply the stroller brake. Thats 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. (Thats always a good idea, even when youre traveling alone.) And its 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.

Click here for more information on how to ride the subways

 

 

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Bus Safety

Dont run for the bus -- thats when most customer accidents happen. Slips, trips, and falls are the most common causes of injuries. If youre 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 youre a wheelchair user, please allow the bus operator to secure your chair.

While youre riding, keep your head and arms inside bus windows.

When youre 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 isnt a designated stop. The bus operator will comply as long as he or she thinks its a safe location. This bus will still make all regularly scheduled stops.

Click here for more information on how to ride the buses

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Subway and Bus Security

As a general precaution, whether youre in the subway, the bus, or even in the street, appear confident. Always look as if you know where youre going, and youre 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 youre 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 talk-back box (mounted on a platform column) to get help in a station where youre not visible to the station agent. When you speak into the box, 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 its 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 pickpockets easiest victim is a sleeping passenger. If you feel drowsy, its 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. Thats why you should be wary of being pushed or bumped. But even when there arent 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 pickpockets 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 youre 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.

Click here for more information on how to ride the subways and buses