Here are few good tips to follow when taking a New York City train to know before boarding and during your tips.

Use the Restroom.
A train runs on rails and if the tracks in front are blocked (debris, derailed train, etc) or the subway line is having signal problems, you will be stuck on your train until it can get safely to a station so try to use the restroom before boarding. Doing so also reduces your chances of getting a ticket for public urination.

Service Entry Gates.
The subways are equipped with a “service entry gate” should you have a stroller. Please take care in using the gate and heed the instructions to avoid a fine. Once through the service entry gates, be sure to lock the stroller’s wheel to prevent them from rolling onto the tracks.

Getting Directions.
Need directions? You can plan trips in the city as well as throughout the region using MTA and the power of Google Maps. Plan your point-to-point trip using one or more of the MTA Agencies: NYC Transit, LIRR, LI Bus, Metro-North, or MTA Bus.

Weekend Travels.
On the weekends, the subways and trains may be rerouted so plan your trips accordingly. Doing so will help you to get to your destination safely and without being late.

Express & Local Tracks
If you are at a station with three (3) or more tracks, you can identify which track will have a local or express train. The inner tracks are generally reserved for express trains while the outer tracks are generally reserved for local trains and shuttles.

Express & Local Trains
You may be in a rush to get somewhere but before boarding train, you should know that an express train (diamond) skips some stops while a local train (circle) makes every stop. Please be aware that when the MTA is performing maintenance, (usually on the weekends) the express trains may run local.

Service Advisory.
Know where to find service advisory for the LIRR, MTA and NYCTA trains to avoid delays and see alternate travel methods or have these sent to you automatically to your mobile device. If you miss the advisory and become late, request delay verification reports from the MTA.

Carry a Bottle of Water.
If the weather is very hot and the air conditioner isn’t running, the water will help you from becoming dehydrated on long trips or if the train is stuck somewhere. The water can also be used as well to clean your hands or cuts if you met in a minor accident.

Carry a Small Flashlight.
Trains run above and underground. If you are underground and is told to leave the train for safety reasons, a mini flashlight will help you to see where you are going and stepping.

Use MetroCards.
Know how and when to use MetroCards for your travels. Some MetroCards are locked out after a use while others can be shared a few times. Not using them properly could aid you in getting a summons and fine for fare evasion.

MTA Rules.
The MTA has a few Rules of Conduct and passengers should follow them for their safety and to avoid fines. Currently, the most broken rule is in regards to fare evasion.

Pay Attention.
Before boarding, make sure that you are entering the correct train and bound.While the train is moving above ground, pay attention for safe spots to wait safely should you be told that you need to exit the train. This is handy if its raining very hard or snowing heavily as you will know where a safe shelter is to wait should you be told to leave the train for your safety. Also, pay attention to the people (other passengers) around you. Keeping yourself distracted can increase your chances of getting your belongings picked from your person.

Blow the Whistle.
Do you see something that appears suspicious? If you see something, say somethingby alerting a police officer, train operator, station personnel directly or by calling 1-888-NYC-SAFE (888-692-7233). With a mobile phone, it is even possible to report crimes using text messages with anonymity to the police.

Emergency Call button.
Know where to find and use the Emergency Call button should you or another passenger need help if a train operator or police officer isn’t available in your car. If you have a working phone and signal, 1-888-MTA911PD is the best way to contact the MTA about an emergency or safety-related issue.

Radio Codes.
Be familiar with some of the NYCTA Subway Emergency Radio Codes that are used in the Signal System if you will become a frequent rider.

Wear Comfortable Footwear.
You could get stuck for hours or have to walk to the nearest station so have comfortable footwear.

Avoid the Doors.
To avoid falling, do not walk through the front/rear door while train is moving or at a stand still. Also, do not lean on the side door as they could open suddenly causing you to fall out.

Watch for Gaps.
Watch out for gaps between the train and platform. People fall through it often and get injured or killed.

Stay Calm.
In the event of a service disruption and the train has to be stopped for a period of time with you, you should always remain calm so you can think straight and not to scare younger travellers on the train or with you.

Do not force open the door.
Trying to force open the door to exit the train could cause you to be hit by another train or shocked from the rails.

Follow the Instructions
It is important to follow the instructions given by the crew/staff so you and everyone remain safe and listen carefully to the in-train public address announcements.

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