The Female Abroad

Be a Traveller not a tourist.


NYC Transportation Facts





by Female Abroad



Getting around New York can be tricky (bumper to bumper traffic) or fairly straight forward if there are no issues. If you are stuck or you want to learn more about getting around the city (check out our other posts on how to get around the city) then look no further.



Rail



Always use the word “Subway” to refer to a train and ask if it's going "Uptown" or "Downtown".

The Subway operates 24/7 (unless there is an issue on the tracks)

Make sure to wash your hands when you get off as there has been 15,152 forms of life found on / in the subway; the majority of them being the two B's - bugs and bacteria


There are "ghost' / "abandoned" stations, the most famous are:

  1. City Hall - public tours are available randomly throughout the year
  2. Track 61 - found under the Waldorf Astoria and connects to Grand Central Terminal. It's said that this one isn't "abandoned" as it's still used as an emergency escape routes for presidents. The entrance to the Track can be seen at the 49th St. location of the hotel with "101 - 121" denoting an elevator exit

Speaking of Grand Central, the world's largest railway station has an archway just outside Oyster Bar & Restaurant where if two people stand at opposite diagonal corners of the arch, you can hear each other even if you are whispering.

The first railroad even started in New York. It was just 11 miles long and ran from Albany to Schenectady.



Driving



Street signs are Green but there are brown ones in this historic district

If you are going to be a cabbie you have to get a "Medallion". These are the small metal plaques attached to the vehicle and it is illegal to drive a cab without one. Theses medallions can be bought at a staggering price tag of U$ 1 million

On another note, New York was the first state to require license plates It is illegal to honk your horn in New York City unless it's an emergency

At 641 miles, Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway is the longest tolled road in the US



Parking in New York City





by Female Abroad



One of the top contenders on the list of the worst American towns for parking is New York City. Finding parking in New York City alone conjures up numerous recollections and nightmares that you should avoid. Even though there has been a real improvement over the last several years but there is still no lasting answer to the parking issues that have plagued New York City, for such a very long time.


What is the underlying reason for all of the issues and ambiguity surrounding parking in New York City? Let's assume, to begin with, that there are simply not enough parking spaces to accommodate a lot of cars on the street. There are simply far too many cars on the road, and the number continues rising daily, but parking garages, or, let's say, parking spaces, are not growing at a comparable rate.


Additionally, there is the problem of intricate rules and regulations like Alternate Side Parking (ASP), which make it even harder to find parking in New York City, particularly for the millions of tourists who come from all over the United States and abroad. When it comes to making sure that all traffic infractions are handled, including pricey parking citations, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) is fairly busy and vigilant. The entire city of New York feels like a giant tow-away zone, so you HAVE TO pay attention to signage because if you park illegally, you will be towed. If you are new to the city, be careful not to miss this point!


When it comes to planning a trip to New York and if you plan on driving, a lot of questions may run through your head. In New York City, is it even feasible to find affordable parking garages? What are the standard parking prices in New York City? Are there any parking tricks you can use to park for less money? Is it necessary for me to park outside the city and take the bus, train, or cab to get to my location in New York?


In New York City, it is not possible to park anywhere at random. The parking space chosen must be legal, and you should always be on the lookout for signs that indicate any time limitations; the time restrictions can be from one to twelve hours. A lot of parking spots may also have limitations on alternate side parking that last up to three hours. If you don't relocate your car during the designated alternate side parking hours, you risk receiving pricey parking ticket.


Additionally, the NYC DOT is on the lookout for any instances of double parking, and if you are discovered guilty, you will once again face costly citations if not towed. As a result of double parking, there is also a possibility that your car will be impounded. To avoid getting into trouble for a missing sticker, it is also crucial to make sure that registration or inspection stickers are evident.


There will always be spots that are fairly common for parking in well-known boroughs like Brooklyn and Manhattan. It's best to avoid these areas because parking will typically be scarce in the majority of these locations. For instance, it's strongly advised to steer clear of areas like Hell's Kitchen, Koreatown, the Civic Center, and the Flatiron District in Manhattan if you want to enjoy a hassle-free parking experience in New York City, as well as the Columbia Street Waterfront District, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, and Vinegar Hill in Brooklyn.


The amount you'll have to pay for parking in New York City can differ greatly from location to location. Are you okay with parking in a haphazard area with few amenities so that your daily parking fee won't exceed $25? Or would you prefer to have your vehicle parked in a secure location with top features like contactless payment(which has become a sought-after feature of late). In that situation, you'll probably need to spend $50 or so per day, and this cost will increase the more amenities you add. In addition, parking lots next to popular destinations or high-end sites in New York City frequently have higher rates than garages 5-10 minutes away.


Street parking is a more cost-effective choice than parking garages. However, the vast majority of metered parking spots are empty for hours on end. Alternate side parking restrictions, which prohibit parking for a short period of time on either side of the street, are also present in almost all street parking spaces in NYC. When the ASP rules are in effect, you must move your car out of the spot or run the chance of having it towed.


If you're still unclear about what alternate side parking is all about, ASP refers to a New York City traffic regulation that "limits daily, limited-time street parking to just one sid"e. Parking is only permitted on one side in order to maintain traffic movement while street cleaning is being done. The alternate side parking regulations are in force at various hours and on various days. Look for street signs with a "P" and broom across it, followed by a time restriction. On important holidays, when there is bad weather, or in times of emergency, the rules for alternate side parking are suspended.


Parking in New York City garages should always be reserved in advance, especially in a busy locations or times. By doing this, you can avoid getting stuck in a tiresome, never-ending circle of travelling around in search of parking let alone cheap parking. You can compare costs and choose the parking lots with the most affordable rates by making a reservation for parking using a parking app.


In the end, having a parking spot in New York City is what really counts, and if you follow the fundamental rules, there's a chance that you'll get a spot there on schedule.