[omegaworks]

>public transportation in New York is the best in the country and you're free to stay out as late as you want...

Does anyone else think this is sad? When you visit a place like Tokyo, it makes NYC look like a decrepit backwater.

[WoodenChair]

I haven't been to Tokyo. But I have been to most of the largest cities of North America and Europe. The NYC subway system is extremely inexpensive ($2.50 for as long a ride as you need - as many transfers as you want), has incredibly wide coverage, and is quite reliable. It is one of the largest subway systems in the world. It is old and somewhat dirty if that's what you're referring to? I don't think it's sad.

In addition there are commuter trains that cover most of Long Island, Westchester county, Southwest Connecticut, and North New Jersey that connect to stations serviced by the subway and many run hourly or half hourly. NY buses aren't the best - but no system is perfect.

[HeyLaughingBoy]

$2.50? Now I know I'm old. Last time I rode the NYC bus/subway regularly, the price hike to 75 cents was controversial news.

Still I agree that it's a good deal considering how far you can travel.

[paxtonab]

Last time I was in Tokyo the subway stopped running very early (either midnight or 1 AM) compared to NYC where it never stops.

That has obvious benefits such as helping maintain cleanliness, but I still wouldn't eat a meal without washing my hands after riding on the Tokyo subway.

[mkehrt]

Have you been to Tokyo? The subway consists of several disjoint systems that don't connect in reasonable ways, each with its own incomprehensibly different payment system, and it stops running at around midnight. New York beats it by a mile.

[omegaworks]

Obviously you haven't been in a while. Nowadays they have the SUICA card tap and go that negotiates payments for you.

It does stop running, but Tokyo doesn't. That's why capsule hotels and suitcase lockers.