Riding the subway can be an incredibly convenient way to commute or get around a city, but it also comes with its own unique challenges. Being packed in tight spaces with strangers and subject to unexpected delays or detours is all part of the subway travel experience. Having the right gear and supplies can transform even the most hectic and uncomfortable subway ride into a smooth, stress-free journey.
In this article, we will go over the top 10 must-have essentials to make your next subway trip as pleasant and problem-free as possible. With the proper preparation and packing, your daily commute or crosstown adventure doesn’t have to be a dreaded experience that you barely tolerate. Read on to learn key items that can enhance comfort, convenience, safety and even entertainment during your travels on the underground transit system.
The Importance of Preparation for Subway Journeys
Public transportation like subways and metro systems transport millions of people every day in major cities all over the world. Subway commuters represent all walks of life and include daily travelers going to school or work, as well as visitors sightseeing or attending events. Regardless of the purpose or distance of the ride, there are fundamental challenges that all subway passengers share.
Confined environments, shared personal space, ambient noise, inconsistent climate control and unexpected delays are just some of the conditions experienced when traveling underground by rail. Even short subway trips often involve flights of stairs to navigate, schedules to meet and connections to make. Being surrounded by strangers also necessitates an extra level of awareness regarding safety and maintaining appropriate etiquette.
Top 10 Must-Have Essentials
When it comes to subway preparedness, the following list represents the 10 most useful and versatile essentials to keep riders comfortable, productive, entertained and secure while in transit.
Reusable Water Bottle
One of the simplest ways to improve any public transit experience is to make sure you are staying properly hydrated. Recycled air and constantly fluctuating temperatures can quickly cause dehydration symptoms like headache and fatigue. These unpleasant effects often go unnoticed until they impact your energy levels or ability to focus. Having water on hand gives you control over one of the most basic human needs that is often neglected until it becomes a pressing issue.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
One of the biggest sources of discomfort associated with subway travel is the cumulative impact of ambient noise inherent to public transit systems. Whether it is screeching rails, repetitive public address announcements or the chatter and music from other passengers, the acoustic bombardment of the underground environment quickly becomes mentally fatiguing.
Portable Charger
In the modern digital era, most travelers rely on smart phones, tablets and other portable devices not just for entertainment but for communication, work, navigation, mobile transactions and emergency use. Running out of battery on essential electronics while in transit usually creates unnecessary stress and inhibits access to important tools and information.
Hand Sanitizer
Public mass transit systems are used by millions of people every day from all sections of society. This high traffic combined with surfaces that only get sporadically cleaned is a recipe for high concentrations of germs and bacteria. Safeguarding health while commuting means being able to frequently sanitize hands when soap and water is not available.
Compact Umbrella
Weather is one element that can seriously disrupt the otherwise smooth flow of subway travel. From unexpected showers to blustery winds, passengers often exit stations to find themselves unprepared for inclement conditions. This routinely occurs at transfer points that require reboarding different lines.
Reading Material or E-Reader
One of the best ways to take full advantage of a long subway ride is to pass the time reading a book or absorbing other content. Printed books or magazines allow you to disconnect from screens and enjoy material at your own pace. Light and thin paperbacks are ideal for fitting in bags and reading while standing or sitting.
Reusable Tote Bag
Subway riders often have necessity items like groceries or personal packages that need transporting in addition to their everyday work or school gear. Disposable plastic bags from merchants may suffice for short walks but tear easily and lack the durability and capacity required for lengthy commutes involving stairs, escalators and transfers. Trying to manage multiple bags on crowded trains while standing can be difficult and lead to spills or breakage over time.
Personal Safety Alarm
While public transit systems utilize various safety measures like surveillance cameras and security patrols, altercations, harassment or criminal activity can still transpire. For vulnerable commuters like seniors, minors and women traveling solo, carrying a personal safety alarm provides an extra layer of protection in case of threats to personal security.
Travel-Sized First Aid Kit
Due to transient ridership and lack of climate control, health emergencies like passenger injuries, accidents or illnesses can occur aboard crowded subway cars with limited first aid supplies. Being able to provide basic medical assistance benefits the afflicted individual while minimizing operational impacts that result from stopping a train mid-route so emergency services can board safely.
Comfortable Footwear
Subway travel involves extended periods of standing, extensive walking often encompassing stairs and occasionally the need for sudden movement during turbulence or incidents. Despite this dynamic environment, many commuters still wear dress shoes or fashion footwear poorly suited for these demands. The result is aching feet, diminished stability, lack of traction and unnecessary injuries over time.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Subway Experience
Packing the gear above will properly equip you to handle most common scenarios on subway journeys. However, a successful trip also depends on practicing etiquette, maintaining awareness and planning your commute. Here are some additional tips for a smooth ride:
- Observe priority seating rules and yield seats to more vulnerable passengers. Avoid occupying multiple seats and minimize belongings infringing on adjacent passengers.
- Mind gaps between platforms and trains to prevent falls. Hold handrails and remain alert as doors open and close.
- Report suspicious behavior or threats to emergency intercoms or station agents. Don’t engage confrontationally if conflicts arise with fellow passengers.
- Build in buffer time before appointments accounting for typical delays plus 10-15 minutes of extra wiggle room. Rushing increases risk of injury from falls or unsafe boarding behaviors.
Following basic courtesy, wisdom and preparedness when riding subways greatly reduces stress while enabling you to adeptly handle surprises that may still arise. As public transit continues evolving in cities worldwide, maintaining our collective social contract to coexist in these vital spaces benefits all citizens participating in this shared experience.
Conclusion
Regular subway commuters grow accustomed to the unique challenges posed by traveling underground through tunnel systems with sometimes less than ideal conditions. However, being properly equipped to answer common needs with a selection of versatile essentials can prevent minor frustrations from spiraling into miserable experiences.
Staying nourished, entertained, connected, balanced and secure when riding transit plays a major role in keeping passengers calm, healthy and even productive during their travels. Given the indispensability of subway systems in major metropolitan cities, upgrading your ride readiness promises to elevate many facets of daily urban living.