This week, we asked readers for their opinions on etiquette in the New York City subway system further to a video shared on social media by a relatively young New Yorker in which he complains that the situation is way worse than in prior years (particularly as many commuters stand in the doorway wearing headphones, and do not hear people asking them to move).

 

“Remember that there’s no need to be rude when you’re on the subway, no need to push or shove in order to grab a seat. These days, be kind and offer your seat to someone needy. Even if you’re moody, refrain yourself from cursing, being loud, or giving out dirty looks. Avoid any signal that would start a fight or create chaos. Counting to ten these days is a great way to go.”

Sheran Tavarez

Riverdale 

“What do we get for $3 riding the train, WWE fights live blocking space to reach an empty seat? People eat their breakfast and leave behind garbage, listening to profanity or loud cell phone conversations, a tutorial on how to apply makeup for the ladies, getting slapped in the face with long hair because ladies just have to fling their hair, people with colds coughing on everyone instead of wearing a mask. And the best part is offensive body odor because someone didn’t bother to shower. There is nowhere else you can get to see a show like this on a daily basis for three dollars.”

Lyssy Pastrana,

Pelham Bay

 

“Don’t eat on the train unless you’re going to share because everyone smelling your food will be staring at you like wild racoons. Don’t flash your jewelry or count money on the train because other riders will be counting along with you. Always be aware of your surroundings. Never get close to the edge of the platform when the train is coming into the train station.”

Gary Camp,

Crotona Park

 

“A younger version of myself was able to stand erect with my folded New York Times without the aid of a leather strap, a door or wall and safely read. I stood, more often than not, because seats were naturally given to those experiencing need. Today’s version of me, at 82, deals with balance issues, some days more successfully than others, and will gratefully accept the gift of a seat. The young avert their eyes to my needs. People closer to my age and condition are more apt to be of help. People should never take up two seats, blast music, and never be disrespectful.”

Bill Meehan,

Brooklyn

“Having the homeless sleeping on the trains… Quite often, they have not showered so the smell can be so bad that sometimes the car is almost empty. It’s like the wild west with people not paying to get on the train. People pay their fare and then watch others who just walk in without paying. Public safety and the lack of police officers on the trains leaves a lot of people who are underage and are often unruly, disrespectful kids who smoke grass, annoy others, and bully and threaten people on the train. A lack of proper etiquette continues when people do things that are unsightly like cutting your fingernails.”

Sam Saverio Esposito, president of the Ozone Park Residents Block Association

Queens