99TravelSafe.com
Subway - Underground Trains Safety and Precautions!
The Website For The Smart and Savvy Traveler
Safety Tips to Protect Yourself in the Subway/Underground Trains.
Avoid empty subway cars. During off-hours on the subway, ride in the conductor's car. That's in the middle of the train. Use subway entrances and exits where there's the most activity.
To stay safe while traveling on a subway / underground train, always be aware of your surroundings, stand back from the platform edge, secure your valuables, mind the gap between the train and the platform, pay attention to announcements, avoid empty carriages, and never attempt to cross tracks when a train is approaching; if you need assistance, contact station staff.
Key Safety Precautions
Platform Safety
-- Stand behind the yellow line on the platform, well away from the edge.
-- Do NOT lean over the platform.
-- Be cautious when entering and exiting the train, minding the gap between the platform and the train.
Personal Safety
-- Keep your valuables close to you, in zippered compartments or front pockets.
-- Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas.
-- If you notice suspicious activity, report it to station staff.
On the Train
-- Hold onto handrails when the train starts or stops.
-- Avoid blocking doors or aisles with your luggage.
-- Don't get on a crowded train if you feel uncomfortable.
Emergencies
-- If you need help, alert the train conductor or station staff.
-- In case of an emergency, follow instructions from announcements and emergency personnel.
General Awareness
-- Pay attention to station announcements regarding train schedules and platform changes.
-- Be aware of your exit point and plan your route accordingly.
-- Avoid distractions like loud music or headphones that might prevent you from hearing important information.
Report Anything Unsafe
Call emergency number like 911. You can also use a station Help Point intercom, or find an employee or police officer for help.
In Case of an Emergency
Familiarize yourself with safety signage in cars so you will know how to locate and operate emergency exits. Your best protection is to remain calm, think clearly, and follow the instructions of the train crew.
If You Must Evacuate a Train
-- Do NOT try to leave the train without instructions or help from the train crew. The safest place for you is on the train itself!
-- If there is an emergency, look for a member of the train crew and report it immediately.
-- Follow the instructions of our train crews as well as the instructions of emergency personnel on the scene.
People in Need of Help
If someone has fallen onto the train tracks, call emergency number like 911. If a train is approaching, turn on your phone's flashlight and wave your hands from side to side.
Tips to Protect Yourself in the Subway
-- During non-rush hours, wait for trains in designated areas.
-- Avoid empty subway cars.
-- During off-hours on the subway, ride in the conductor car. That’s in the middle of the train.
-- Use subway entrances and exits where there’s the most activity. That’s usually the entrance with the 24-hour booth (though not all stations have these).
On Platforms and Trains
Stand back from the platform edge. Don’t lean over the platform edge or go onto the tracks for any reason. If you drop something, tell a police officer or station personnel. Wait for the train to stop before stepping forward. Don’t run on platforms. Watch the gap when you’re boarding and exiting trains.
At Railroad Crossings
Always obey the lowered gates, flashing lights, and ringing bells at railroad crossings. Trains can approach quickly from either direction. Never walk or run across crossing gates. Trespassing on tracks is illegal and extremely dangerous. Never use train tracks as a shortcut. Cross tracks only at designated crossing areas.
Sexual Harassment
Under Human Rights Laws in MOST jurisdictions, any unwanted sexual behavior is unlawful, including but not limited to touching, crude jokes, and lewd comments. If you feel you’ve been harassed, you have options for reporting the behavior.
Subway Crime Prevention Tips
Following are some crime prevention and safety tips to help keep your subway ride safe and enjoyable
-- Non-confrontational property theft make up almost half of all major subway crime. Remain alert to avoid falling victim to an opportunistic thief.
-- Noise cancellation features on listening devices may make you less aware of your surroundings or important service announcements. Consider adjusting volume settings so you can stay alert during your travels.
-- If you prefer to ride in the same car as the train conductor, locate the alternating black & white striped board overhead near the middle of the platform, this is where the conductor will be positioned on the next arriving train.
-- Consider using a wearable smartwatch to enter via the high tech fare payment systems at most subways. This makes for a faster commute and reduces the need to produce items like smartphones, wallets, or purses at the turnstiles.
-- When you are on the subway platform, stay well behind the yellow line, away from the platform edge.
-- Secure valuables in front pockets or within zippered compartments inside of your bags or purses.
-- Cell service and WiFi within most subway systems have vastly improved in recent years. Alert the police or a transit employee immediately if help is needed.
-- Be mindful of your belongings at all times - particularly when using personal electronic devices.
-- Hold on to your backpack, bags, or purses and keep it in front of you, even if using the shoulder straps.