A Study of Subway Riders' Quirks

A great article in The New York Times today studying the habits of subway riders. We all, either consciously or subconsciously, select where we stand or sit, choose who we sit next to, give up seats to others or stay seated. I've rarely stopped to think that my train habits are predictable.

"The decisions arrive with each approaching train, testing the hard-won instincts of the New York City subway rider — world-weary, antisocial and at all times strategic.

Stand, or sit in a crowded row, brushing thighs with strangers?

Surrender a seat to a shuffling elder, or pretend not to notice his buckling knees? Remain in the same seat throughout the ride, or contend for a more desired seat near a door?"

The draft study linked in the article is also interesting reading. Enjoy!

I hope...

...never to have a commute like this.

Thank you Tosh for this Friday weekend kickoff.

Sous Chef - Explained

My previous post Sous Chef with the young woman chopping onions on the train is explained in Gothamnist, along with a video.

Commuter Photos in The Times

The New York Times Lens blog today has some great photos of commuters racing for trains. The introduction to the photos is very poetic:

"To navigate New York’s mass transit is to experience all of this competitive city’s struggles, pleasures and pains, only transposed underground, into the subterranean arena otherwise known as a train station. Faced with sprints, crowded staircases and down-to-the-minute departure times, the successful urban traveler must display an agility and athleticism akin to a gladiator’s.

And in an environment where seconds count, there are glorious triumphs and heartbreaking defeats."