So I have a new favorite spot to ride the train, but it is a tough spot to get.
I like to stand right on the very end of the train by the door that leads from one train car to another. I find that you can get lean on the door a little and the door to the little conductor cab. You know?
It’s a nice area because rarely (if ever) is there any passenger traffic to contend with. You can lean there in relative peace and quite without having to constantly shuffle while people get in and out.
Of course, I rarely bother getting a seat because when I do I get the hairy eyeball from the old ladies. So I always stand unless the train is very empty. So good standing space is hard to come by.
Unfortunately, this spot is often taken, and it can be hard to reach on a crowded train. Also, this is not a spot to stand if you only have a few stops to go. You don’t want to be that a-hole that has to climb over everyone to get off the train. So it is best for longer rides.
You should also be a little careful if you choose to try it. Sharp turns and jolts in the track are magnified on the ends. The ends of the trains have the most left to right movement for the riders, so you could get slammed into the wall you are leaning on if you aren’t careful.
What’s your favorite ride spot on the train?
SUBWAYblogger 
I like any seat with the bars to my right. I can wrap or rest my arm around the bars and if I rest my leg, I can point it to the right.
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I am very surprised that you are finally discovering this spot… it is my #2 spot to stand. My #1 spot is in the doorway, on the opposite side that the doors will open. In other words, when I get on the 6 Train at Grand Central, I try and be the last person on the train, then I can stand in the doorway until we hit 14th St. (going downtown) or until we hit 125th St. (going uptown). It’s a beautiful thing, because like the spot you mentioned, there is no traffic to contend with there.
Unfortunately, I’ve noticed that lots of people take this spot without being the last person to get in the train. The result is that people block the doorway when others are trying to get on behind them (and also block me from taking that spot). I hate this more than anything… it’s probably my biggest peeve on the subway. If you want the doorway spot, you have to wait until just before the doors close, otherwise I will hate you.
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Leaning against the door when it’s not the door that will open. On the 7, all three stops in between Grand Central and Queensboro Plaza have the doors opening on the same side. When the train pulls into Queensboro Plaza, I’m right there at the door to already exit
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I have a similar strategy to the above poster, but on the A train. My commute takes me from 181st to Chambers Street. The doors on the left side of the train (if you’re facing the front) only open at Chambers, 34th, 168th and 175th Streets. So, the spot right by the door is undsiturbed from Chambers all the way to 168th Street save for 34th Street. Then at 168th Street I can move over to the opposite side, where the doors open at 181st. But I am usually sitting down by that point, unless it’s really busy.
This is best on the R44 cars, with the partition between the doorway and the seats. One can lean against the partition, and this is the best place to stand on these cars, which have no alcove at the car ends for the conductor’s cab.
In terms of the best place to SIT, which is something I prefer (especially during the evening rush, when I like to sleep), the best seat on the R44 is directly opposite the aforementioned partition.
On a somewhat unrelated topic, I think the R44 is probably the most comfortable car in terms of seating on the Subway, as long as you get one of the good seats.
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My favorite spot is the exact one you mentioned SB. I’ve been standing there for years! I’m the knowledgeable and courteous rider that moves to the center of the car so people can get in. Then I stand in the middle, out of everyone’s way, and every stop, some idiot has to push past me for not reason at all. They get in on the south end of the car and then push through the crowded car to stand on the north end. For what freakin’ reason is that necessary? So since 2001, I stand where SB stands.
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I’m not really “just discovering” that spot. However, I have recently developed a greater appreciation for it.
I also enjoy the main train doorway. Good leaning area.
However, I dont block the door. I always move out of the way or step OFF the train while people get on/off. Then I get back in the spot.
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On the new trains there is a pole that divides the long bench. I like to sit with my legs on either side of it. I like to use both hands to push on the pole. It saves me a $50 visit to my chiropractor.
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!
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If I’m sitting down on the 1 that I take everyday from 242nd to 42nd, I’ll be in the second car by the first set of doors, across the way from the doors I get off on. I find that it is easier to go across rather than turning around. If I’m standing, my first choice is whatever set of doors is across from the stop that I’m getting off on. If it’s a crowded car I try my best to get the stop by the end doors. It always has the most space.
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I also seek out and occupy the same spot that you mentioned on my commute on the J Train every morning. There is light traffic between cars and the crowded-ness (MY WORD!) of the train varies day by day. When I get on at Forest parkway, its fairy empty so I can set up camp there and read or ready myself for the day ahead in relative peace.
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SB, I like that spot also, but choosing one’s spot sometimes has to do also with wheather it’s too hot or cold, and so you take the air vents into account. re. standing vs. seating: I don’t seat unless the car is about half empty.
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I really enjoy that end doorway spot also. Except when I see someone sitting near the door using the spot for their baggage area.
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I like that spot as well, especially on the newer trains, because the A/C blasts right on top of it.
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