New York at a Glance
New York: Local Life and Transport
New York’s Broadway is the heart of the American theater industry.
The Locals
Most people in New York tend to be friendly and obliging, maybe more so than might be expected in a big city. It is not uncommon for passers-by to stop and offer their help if they see someone who looks lost, or for neighbors in one building to be on friendly, even familiar terms.
However, friendliness should not be mistaken for friendship. While New Yorkers are open and welcoming and will try their best to make you feel at home, relations tend to be superficial until you really get to know someone well. It is only polite to take an interest in your new acquaintances’ lives, but all too personal questions and revelations should be avoided at first.
Climate and Weather
New York City has a humid continental climate, with temperatures regularly reaching 30° C (90° F) or more in the summer. On some days when there’s a lot of moisture in the air, the heat can seem subtropical.
Especially in downtown Manhattan, this is exacerbated by air conditioning units in taxis, offices and apartment buildings pumping hot air into the atmosphere to maintain constant low temperatures on the inside. The city gets a lot of sunshine from April to October, but winters are cold and usually come with a mix of snow and rain.
Air pollution can cause problems for people with asthma and other respiratory diseases, but the city government has been working hard to reduce CO2 emissions in recent years. Nearly 30 % of New York´s taxi fleet consists of hybrid cars or clean diesel vehicles. A considerable number of buses run on natural gas rather than petrol.
Public Transportation
With only 46 % of all households owning a car, New York City holds a somewhat exceptional position in the US. Public transport is indeed the most popular form of transit, and the majority of the population relies on it for the daily commute.
New York has the best public transport system in the whole country. The extensive Subway network operates 24h a day, while the large public bus fleet and a commuter rail network serve the suburbs and parts of the metropolitan area.
The ticketing system is fairly simple. The MetroCard, which can be purchased at most Subway stations, is valid for travel on buses and on the Subway. It can be recharged and used on a pay-as-you-go basis or as a weekly or monthly travel pass.
For New York City related transport information, fares and time tables, please refer to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority´s website. Links to all other train or bus operators can be found in the transportation section of the New York City government website.
Cycling and Walking
Cycling and walking account for about 20% of all modes of transit in New York City. The municipal government is currently working on proposals from private companies to implement a bike share system. There are also free cycling maps available from the Department of Transportation and the Department of City Planning. The network of bike paths is, however, rather rudimentary, and riding a bicycle on Manhattans streets is not recommended for the inexperienced, casual cyclist.
Taking a Cab
Even people who have never been to New York will be familiar with the sight of a yellow cab on the streets of Manhattan. They are indeed a very popular way of getting around – so popular that trying to hail one from the street when it rains can be well-nigh impossible.
Not all taxi drivers know their way around, as many of them are foreign themselves and might ask their passengers for directions. Passengers are expected to take the back seat (unless there is not enough room) and to tip the driver.
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