TIP: Navigating subways & buses
HELP GETTING AROUND NYC
Even native New Yorkers can sometimes use some help figuring out the fastest way to certain parts of the city. Sure, you can look at a subway map, but street addresses aren’t really featured on those maps - you can waste a lot of time guessing where you have to go.
Fortunately, there are two, free, interactive ways to help you out.
HOPSTOP: http://www.hopstop.com
This is an interactive map and guide for the subway system and is
the single best way to navigate the city (think of it as Mapquest for the
subway). Enter your starting and ending points and you will learn what trains
to take - and walking directions once you get there. Last year, many students
used it every day. You can also create various itineraries for multiple stops, return trips, etc.
This gives you directions in several languages and can be sent to your cellphone, PDA, etc.
There are two, competing site that have been launched, PublicRoutes.com and Trips123.com- if you have comments about which one’s better, please send it to dos@jrn.columbia.edu
MTA INFORMATION LINE: 718-330-1234
Yes, it’s a phone number and it’s very useful. Listen to the long intro and
then hit * and then 0 to speak to an agent. I have never had to wait more than
three minutes to get an agent.
Once you’re connected, give them your starting and ending points and they will
tell you exactly how to get there; what stations/trains you need and how far
you need to walk when you get to the other end. Memorize this number!
MTA official site is MTA.info - be sure to get a monthly Metro Card once you start the school year. You will be spending a lot of time on the subways and buses.
