New York: Getting There & Around

GETTING THERE:

• PATH (800/234-PATH)
  Call or visit www.panynj.gov for more information.
  PATH map and lines.
  
  
• NJ Transit (800/772-2222)
  Call or visit www.njtransit.com for the station nearest you. Map of the rail system.
  
  
• N.Y. Waterways (800/533-3779) crosses the Hudson River between Manhattan and Weehawken, every 15 minutes (every 10 minutes during peak morning and evening hours) and provides great skyline views. The cost each way is $5 to midtown, $6 to downtown, plus $5 for parking.

GETTING AROUND:

• Buses
  The $1.50 bus fare is payable with exact change (no bills), a token or the MetroCard. Guide-A-Ride signs, showing bus stops and transfer points along a route, are posted at most stops. Ask the driver for free bus transfers upon paying your fare. Buses run uptown on Tenth, Eighth, Sixth, Madison, Third and First avenues, and downtown on Ninth, Seventh, Fifth, Broadway, Lexington and Second avenues. Some of the major crosstown bus routes are 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, 49th/50th, 57th, 65th, 79th, 86th and 96th streets.
  
  
• Taxis
  Taxis are convenient, relatively inexpensive and, with the exception of rush hours and rainy days, easy to find.
  
  All taxicabs that are yellow in color, are equipped with a roof sign that indicates availability.
  -- Sign is lit, the cab is available;
  -- Sign is not lit, the cab is occupied;
  -- Sign reads “Off Duty,” the cab is not picking up passengers.
  
  The metered fare covers up to four passengers and is calculated by 1/5 miles and a time factor. In addition to the regular fare, there is a 50-cent surcharge from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  

• Subway
  Subway trains in Manhattan run daily, 24 hours a day. Fares are payable with tokens ($1.50 each in change) or with the MetroCard, a prepaid plastic fare card. Unlimited-ride MetroCards are available for one-day ($4), seven-day ($17) and 30-day ($63) periods; Tokens and MetroCards are sold at subway stations, newsstands and other neighborhood stores displaying the MetroCard sign.
  
  Subway, bus and neighborhood maps are posted inside stations, and maps are available at token booths in stations.
  
  NYC Transit recommends these safety strategies:
  • Don’t flash your cash.
  • Keep your wallet out of sight, not in back pocket.
  • Necklaces and jewelry should be worn under shirts and blouses.
  • Stand clear of the platform edge and don’t wait for the train at the end of the platform.
  • Carry bags in front of you and beware of any commotions: They could be staged to distract you.
  • When few people are on the train, ride in the car with the train operator or the conductor.
  • If you’re jolted, check your belongings: Your pocket may have been picked.
  • Call out immediately if your pocket is picked to warn the conductor and other passengers that a pickpocket is on board.