How to ride NYC escalator
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October 5th, 2022 at 9:22:54 PM
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It really bugs me out of towners don't know how to ride a NYC escalator.
Then they go home and complain NYC residents are rude and obnoxious. Meanwhile it's really 8 million people cooperating and a bunch of out of townies clogging up the whole operation and getting yelled at for acting ignorant and stupid.
8 million people cooperating together! And everyone believes we are the rude ones.
So lesson one. Escalators. If you guys ever make it to NY, there is an unwritten rule, agreement, call it what you will that every New Yorker follows while riding the escalator.
If you want to be lazy or just enjoy the ride stationary, then stand on the right. If you want to get somewhere in a hurry, then WALK on the left.
Notice the left is where you better be chugging. Call it the fast lane if you will.
If you don't believe 8 million people cooperating silently on an unwritten rule here are some pics to help you ride a NYC escalator.
The pic below (right image) shows some out of towners looking stupid standing on the wrong side. (The girl in the pink coat is even looking the wrong way as well. Guess how she gets treated in NYC.)
Then they go home and complain NYC residents are rude and obnoxious. Meanwhile it's really 8 million people cooperating and a bunch of out of townies clogging up the whole operation and getting yelled at for acting ignorant and stupid.
8 million people cooperating together! And everyone believes we are the rude ones.
So lesson one. Escalators. If you guys ever make it to NY, there is an unwritten rule, agreement, call it what you will that every New Yorker follows while riding the escalator.
If you want to be lazy or just enjoy the ride stationary, then stand on the right. If you want to get somewhere in a hurry, then WALK on the left.
Notice the left is where you better be chugging. Call it the fast lane if you will.
If you don't believe 8 million people cooperating silently on an unwritten rule here are some pics to help you ride a NYC escalator.
The pic below (right image) shows some out of towners looking stupid standing on the wrong side. (The girl in the pink coat is even looking the wrong way as well. Guess how she gets treated in NYC.)
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
October 5th, 2022 at 9:31:57 PM
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Yeah, “keep right” must be a thing in NY only. Never heard of such a strange concept
It’s all about making that GTA
October 5th, 2022 at 10:23:45 PM
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Quote: Ace2Yeah, “keep right” must be a thing in NY only. Never heard of such a strange concept
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Having done some traveling it's a definitely a NY thing.
The point is to allow a clear lane for those people who want to walk and run up or down the escalator.
You should be able to do that without having to keep saying"excuse me" if the lane is kept clear.
Anyway, now you guys know.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
October 5th, 2022 at 10:27:01 PM
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I assume your travels were to island nations where they drive and walk on the left ? Or South Africa perhaps
Last edited by: Ace2 on Oct 5, 2022
It’s all about making that GTA
October 5th, 2022 at 10:46:19 PM
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Quote: Ace2I assume your travels were to island nations where they drive and walk on the left ? Or South Africa perhaps
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Well no. I'm not making global statements.
Just observations that most people from outside NY wind up clogging foot traffic and have no clue they are doing it
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
October 5th, 2022 at 11:52:52 PM
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Way too dangerous for me to agree with you. Unlike many public staircases, many public escalators are not that wide as your pictures also show. Too easy to bump into someone accidentally while trying to pass, which could lead to a bigger problem.
If someone passed me on an escalator, I would think they were extremely rude. I have never been to NYC and never thought this was a thing anywhere.
Sometimes I'll walk on an escalator to progress more quickly if there are empty steps, but I would never, ever pass anyone.
If someone passed me on an escalator, I would think they were extremely rude. I have never been to NYC and never thought this was a thing anywhere.
Sometimes I'll walk on an escalator to progress more quickly if there are empty steps, but I would never, ever pass anyone.
October 6th, 2022 at 1:25:14 AM
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Quote: Ace2Yeah, “keep right” must be a thing in NY only. Never heard of such a strange concept
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It's stand on the Left on the London Underground.
Psalm 25:16
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
Proverbs 18:2
A fool finds no satisfaction in trying to understand, for he would rather express his own opinion.
October 6th, 2022 at 2:00:35 AM
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Quote: tringlomaneWay too dangerous for me to agree with you. Unlike many public staircases, many public escalators are not that wide as your pictures also show. Too easy to bump into someone accidentally while trying to pass, which could lead to a bigger problem.
If someone passed me on an escalator, I would think they were extremely rude. I have never been to NYC and never thought this was a thing anywhere.
Sometimes I'll walk on an escalator to progress more quickly if there are empty steps, but I would never, ever pass anyone.
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Which is perfectly fine.
Just please stand on the right so those people who are actually late for work, running to pick up their kid or just plain antsy can pass you.
As for people passing you on an escalator, that's the norm here. Wonderful to have choices. Stand still and ride or walk past faster. Giving fellow riders the choice by standing all on the same side
Then along come the outsiders who block traffic and then tell everyone back home we were rude.
As for bumping into someone, that's something that occurs every single day in NYC. The expectation is to say "excuse me". Having someone escalate an accidental bump in NYC is as rare as a 9.1 earthquake in San Francisco. It happens but rarely.
8 million people live in an area the size of Burbank. Someone is going to bump into you accidentally.
If you are afraid of being bumped or afraid of people being close to you then stay away from NYC.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
October 6th, 2022 at 4:04:57 AM
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Quote: Ace2Yeah, “keep right” must be a thing in NY only. Never heard of such a strange concept
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This was also how Hong Kong was - stand right, walk left.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escalator_etiquette
May the cards fall in your favor.
October 6th, 2022 at 4:54:39 AM
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Quote: Ace2Yeah, “keep right” must be a thing in NY only. Never heard of such a strange concept
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In LA and Las Vegas including the moving sidewalks its correct to stand on the right and keep the left side open for passing.
And if I recall there are even markings on the moving sidewalks at the Vegas airport to keep the left side open.
October 6th, 2022 at 6:07:01 AM
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And you often see the same thing with airport moving sidewalks.
I suspect these are probably the same people who drove to the airport on the far left side of the road while driving at one mile an hour over the speed limit.
I suspect these are probably the same people who drove to the airport on the far left side of the road while driving at one mile an hour over the speed limit.
October 6th, 2022 at 6:10:57 AM
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This isn’t just a NYC thing. Almost all large cities have similar unspoken rules. It’s just that Nee Yorkers experience tourists, many of whom do not come from large cities so don’t have a lot of crowded escalator experience, breaking the rules and causing log jams. So the New Yorker assumes that it’s just them that knows the rules.
The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; but that is the way to bet.
October 6th, 2022 at 6:26:06 AM
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And let's face it... some people haven't left their parents' basement.
Now... how about a refresher course on elevator etiquette like letting people get out of the car before you rush in?
Now... how about a refresher course on elevator etiquette like letting people get out of the car before you rush in?
October 6th, 2022 at 6:54:01 AM
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Quote: unJonThis isn’t just a NYC thing. Almost all large cities have similar unspoken rules. It’s just that Nee Yorkers experience tourists, many of whom do not come from large cities so don’t have a lot of crowded escalator experience, breaking the rules and causing log jams. So the New Yorker assumes that it’s just them that knows the rules.
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Well I am glad to see it's more a big city vs. hicktown situation.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
October 6th, 2022 at 7:06:27 AM
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Quote: HullabalooAnd you often see the same thing with airport moving sidewalks.
I suspect these are probably the same people who drove to the airport on the far left side of the road while driving at one mile an hour over the speed limit.
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Yeah difference is it’s not an “unwritten rule” in airports, it’s written on the moving sidewalks. I think the “majority” of people do this everywhere there’s just a larger minority that doesn’t the less populated.
Anyways OP is ranting about outsiders but it reads like it’s not so much the outsiders as someone who’s maybe a bit burnt out on their city and could use a vacation. The “outsiders” and their behavior are a part of the character of your city as much as a nasty napoleon complex is a part of Boston, as is the “rudeness” of the “cooperators.” 6 billion people aren’t going to change how the live simply for the preference of 8 million, even if it’s temporarily for their city.
October 6th, 2022 at 7:42:53 AM
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If you are tired of NYC come to Kansas for a bit. You can see all the nice cattle farms and various crops about to be, or currently being harvested. Also our big ball of twine.
Aut inveniam viam aut faciam
October 6th, 2022 at 7:52:12 AM
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Next... about holding doors open.
October 6th, 2022 at 8:07:45 AM
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I do need a vacation but not because I am burnt out on NYC.
Doing a lot of traveling the last two months. That's a good thing as it's work related.
I need to make stricter rules about when my people can take off on vacation. They always manage to overlap their time off and I get shouldered with the extra schedule.
Doing a lot of traveling the last two months. That's a good thing as it's work related.
I need to make stricter rules about when my people can take off on vacation. They always manage to overlap their time off and I get shouldered with the extra schedule.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
October 6th, 2022 at 8:46:52 AM
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Quote: Ace2Yeah, “keep right” must be a thing in NY only. Never heard of such a strange concept
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I just have to say that I'm sorry your sarcasm went completely unnoticed. I for one appreciated the comment. :)
October 6th, 2022 at 10:08:49 AM
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Quote: AitchTheLetterIf you are tired of NYC come to Kansas for a bit. You can see all the nice cattle farms and various crops about to be, or currently being harvested. Also our big ball of twine.
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There are lots of relaxing places.
I think I'd suggest South Dakota over Kansas. I have a hunch that downshifting from east coast city hubbub needs to be taken in smaller steps, and "Corn Palace" may be a more approachable first step than "cornfield".
May the cards fall in your favor.
October 6th, 2022 at 10:22:21 AM
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Quote: DieterQuote: AitchTheLetterIf you are tired of NYC come to Kansas for a bit. You can see all the nice cattle farms and various crops about to be, or currently being harvested. Also our big ball of twine.
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There are lots of relaxing places.
I think I'd suggest South Dakota over Kansas. I have a hunch that downshifting from east coast city hubbub needs to be taken in smaller steps, and "Corn Palace" may be a more approachable first step than "cornfield".
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The KC metro area is a good mix of urban and rural if you are trying to downshift. There are also 6 casinos (5 of which have table games and slots, 1 is just a slots house, and the only one on the Kansas side has a retail in house sportsbook and is working on converting their old buffet to be a new sportsbook/bar area) to split your time between if you still want to gamble.
Aut inveniam viam aut faciam
October 6th, 2022 at 10:32:37 AM
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Saying that New Yorkers ride escalators differently was a very silly statement. That’s the situation I seeQuote: darkozWell I am glad to see it's more a big city vs. hicktown situation.
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It’s all about making that GTA
October 6th, 2022 at 10:59:11 AM
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Quote: Ace2Saying that New Yorkers ride escalators differently was a very silly statement. That’s the situation I seeQuote: darkozWell I am glad to see it's more a big city vs. hicktown situation.
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And yet there are posters on here who literally say they don't ride the escalator like that.
Same page as your comments.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
October 6th, 2022 at 11:00:42 AM
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Quote: AitchTheLetterQuote: DieterQuote: AitchTheLetterIf you are tired of NYC come to Kansas for a bit. You can see all the nice cattle farms and various crops about to be, or currently being harvested. Also our big ball of twine.
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There are lots of relaxing places.
I think I'd suggest South Dakota over Kansas. I have a hunch that downshifting from east coast city hubbub needs to be taken in smaller steps, and "Corn Palace" may be a more approachable first step than "cornfield".
link to original post
The KC metro area is a good mix of urban and rural if you are trying to downshift. There are also 6 casinos (5 of which have table games and slots, 1 is just a slots house, and the only one on the Kansas side has a retail in house sportsbook and is working on converting their old buffet to be a new sportsbook/bar area) to split your time between if you still want to gamble.
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If I can't wake up at 3am and walk(yes walk, not drive six miles) to the corner for a snack or sandwich then it's not for me.
I enjoy the city that never sleeps.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
October 6th, 2022 at 11:12:44 AM
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Quote: darkoz
If I can't wake up at 3am and walk(yes walk, not drive six miles) to the corner for a snack or sandwich then it's not for me.
I enjoy the city that never sleeps.
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Sleep is over rated
Aut inveniam viam aut faciam
October 6th, 2022 at 11:24:04 AM
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I'm thinking it is more of a public transportation/airport thing (where some people need to hurry and others don't), than a regional thing. If your only escalator experience has been the JC Penney's at the mall, then yeah, you might not be aware of the "proper etiquette" on your first ever descent into a subway station.
I'd be curious to know how well shoppers adhere to the "stand-right/walk-left" thing on those old wooden escalators at Macy's. ;)
I'd be curious to know how well shoppers adhere to the "stand-right/walk-left" thing on those old wooden escalators at Macy's. ;)
Last edited by: Joeman on Oct 6, 2022
"Dealer has 'rock'... Pay 'paper!'"
October 6th, 2022 at 12:33:52 PM
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Quote: AitchTheLetterQuote: DieterQuote: AitchTheLetterIf you are tired of NYC come to Kansas for a bit. You can see all the nice cattle farms and various crops about to be, or currently being harvested. Also our big ball of twine.
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There are lots of relaxing places.
I think I'd suggest South Dakota over Kansas. I have a hunch that downshifting from east coast city hubbub needs to be taken in smaller steps, and "Corn Palace" may be a more approachable first step than "cornfield".
link to original post
The KC metro area is a good mix of urban and rural if you are trying to downshift. There are also 6 casinos (5 of which have table games and slots, 1 is just a slots house, and the only one on the Kansas side has a retail in house sportsbook and is working on converting their old buffet to be a new sportsbook/bar area) to split your time between if you still want to gamble.
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I've enjoyed lots of things in KC, but it's all been KCMO, not KCK.
Anything I should be looking out for on my next trip through?
May the cards fall in your favor.
October 6th, 2022 at 1:13:23 PM
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Quote: Dieter
I've enjoyed lots of things in KC, but it's all been KCMO, not KCK.
Anything I should be looking out for on my next trip through?
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Central Avenue has tons of different kinds of food, really diverse selection. The Strawberry Hill museum is great for learning about the various immigrants that helped build the city. The Legends shopping center that is near the Kansas Speedway and a Hollywood Casino has several great food options as well as most of the stores are outlet priced, its mostly fashion brands though. The Hollywood has the Sportsbook I mentioned going on.
As far as specific food, Slap's BBQ and Joe's Kansas City BBQ are two of the best places here depending on who you ask.
Aut inveniam viam aut faciam
October 6th, 2022 at 1:43:26 PM
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This is a thing in literally every big city I’ve ever been to around the world. Nothing specific to NYC at all.
October 6th, 2022 at 1:45:44 PM
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@DarkOz, As a commuter to NYC/NJ for 32 years, I heartily endorse your comments. There was an escalator in my commute every single workday of those 32 years. The WTC ones were longer than the pics show. PATH tunnel has a six-story tall one, IIRC. There were actually times where I was walking on the right (because it was clear ahead) and someone passed me at a dead run on the left.
The worst offenders were the people who were going to the airport. Instead of waiting for the train to empty out and load through the escalator, they'd get on the thing with all their luggage and it was impossible to pass them. That's when you'd see the hatred.
To you, it's a stroll through a fascinating city and riding a truly long escalator. To most of the others, though, it's just another obstacle in the course called "The Commute", and the fact that the train was delayed means they all have to run. So get out of the way.
The worst offenders were the people who were going to the airport. Instead of waiting for the train to empty out and load through the escalator, they'd get on the thing with all their luggage and it was impossible to pass them. That's when you'd see the hatred.
To you, it's a stroll through a fascinating city and riding a truly long escalator. To most of the others, though, it's just another obstacle in the course called "The Commute", and the fact that the train was delayed means they all have to run. So get out of the way.
October 6th, 2022 at 2:24:59 PM
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Quote: BillHasRetired@DarkOz, As a commuter to NYC/NJ for 32 years, I heartily endorse your comments. There was an escalator in my commute every single workday of those 32 years. The WTC ones were longer than the pics show. PATH tunnel has a six-story tall one, IIRC. There were actually times where I was walking on the right (because it was clear ahead) and someone passed me at a dead run on the left.
The worst offenders were the people who were going to the airport. Instead of waiting for the train to empty out and load through the escalator, they'd get on the thing with all their luggage and it was impossible to pass them. That's when you'd see the hatred.
To you, it's a stroll through a fascinating city and riding a truly long escalator. To most of the others, though, it's just another obstacle in the course called "The Commute", and the fact that the train was delayed means they all have to run. So get out of the way.
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Thanks.
I lived in NYC my whole life btw.
For Whom the bus tolls; The bus tolls for thee
October 6th, 2022 at 5:57:45 PM
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Quote: darkozWell I am glad to see it's more a big city vs. hicktown situation.
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The more I'm thinking about this, the more a lot of things make sense.
A lot of people have seldom (if ever) been in a situation where there are more people than space, and are blissfully unaware that the courtesies appropriate when one is seldom within 5 meters of another person differ from the appropriate courtesies when one is seldom more than 2 meters apart from another person.
May the cards fall in your favor.
October 6th, 2022 at 6:51:14 PM
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I totally agree. I've lived most of my life in NYC and have seen many many people who I assume are well intentioned out of towners whose life experiences have just not attuned them to the conventions of living in a crowded big city.Quote: DieterQuote: darkozWell I am glad to see it's more a big city vs. hicktown situation.
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The more I'm thinking about this, the more a lot of things make sense.
A lot of people have seldom (if ever) been in a situation where there are more people than space, and are blissfully unaware that the courtesies appropriate when one is seldom within 5 meters of another person differ from the appropriate courtesies when one is seldom more than 2 meters apart from another person.
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It also applies to big city people, like myself, visiting other big cities or small towns. For example, when I visited Amsterdam for the first time, I had to adjust myself to the "Amsterdam" rules of bicycle traffic.
October 6th, 2022 at 7:34:31 PM
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Always remember: "Pass the dutchie from the left hand side..."Quote: UP84(snip) For example, when I visited Amsterdam for the first time, I had to adjust myself to the "Amsterdam" rules of bicycle traffic.
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October 7th, 2022 at 11:34:17 AM
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I follow that etiquette of stand on the right and walk on the left everywhere. I've noticed this etiquette is seldom followed in Vegas. It's usually a couple (either male/female or female/female) that stand there side by side incumbering walkers behind them.
Just came back from Europe and found the escalator etiquette in Paris and Munich to be pretty good.
Just came back from Europe and found the escalator etiquette in Paris and Munich to be pretty good.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
October 7th, 2022 at 12:26:16 PM
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Wizard that's not "bad etiquette" we experience in Vegas.
That's the Vegas Stupor.
As soon as anyone arrives in Vegas, and especially when they arrive in a casino, the Vegas Stupor consumes their body.
Slowly... very slowly... they move inch by inch unaware of what they're holding up.
That's the Vegas Stupor.
As soon as anyone arrives in Vegas, and especially when they arrive in a casino, the Vegas Stupor consumes their body.
Slowly... very slowly... they move inch by inch unaware of what they're holding up.
October 7th, 2022 at 12:30:20 PM
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The only place where etiquette is followed consistently (except by foreigners) is Japan. If you are visiting Japan, you will not understand all the different ways in which you are violating Japanese etiquette. But the Japanese tend to be tolerant of culturally clumsy Westerners who arrive with good intentions -- less so of Chinese and Koreans who aggressively flout Japanese norms.
October 7th, 2022 at 1:16:07 PM
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In Japan, tipping is rarely expected. Giving a small amount of cash to someone for performing their regular job duties can be viewed as strange or even rude.
I find it strange that so many gamblers feel compelled to share their winnings with dealers, cashiers, and slot staff. Do they feel similarly compelled to tip bank tellers for cashing a check or stock brokers for executing a trade?
I always tip cocktail waitresses but rarely anyone else at a casino. My reasoning is that all the employees who are involved on the gaming side of things represent 'the house' which already has an edge over me as a player. Dealers are guaranteed to make money at the casino whereas I am not. I would rather tip the janitorial staff who probably make a lot less than the dealers without feeling entitled to a piece of the rare jackpot I might win.
I find it strange that so many gamblers feel compelled to share their winnings with dealers, cashiers, and slot staff. Do they feel similarly compelled to tip bank tellers for cashing a check or stock brokers for executing a trade?
I always tip cocktail waitresses but rarely anyone else at a casino. My reasoning is that all the employees who are involved on the gaming side of things represent 'the house' which already has an edge over me as a player. Dealers are guaranteed to make money at the casino whereas I am not. I would rather tip the janitorial staff who probably make a lot less than the dealers without feeling entitled to a piece of the rare jackpot I might win.
October 7th, 2022 at 1:53:45 PM
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When in Rome, do as the Romans do....
October 7th, 2022 at 8:24:08 PM
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I recall reading in a magazine some years that this practice is actually unsafe and increases maintenance costs as it causes an uneven load on one side. I think some it was in the context of some City banning standing on just one side (I think the optimal load is spaced out with an even number of people on both sides with a buffer step, or one in the center). I think some cities ban walking at all on escalators to encourage this now, but my guess is it will be a slow process to reorient behavior.
I am not a fan of escalators, I always take the stairs, I try to avoid elevators as well unless the stairs would be absurd (or are prohibited, which oddly some casinos don't like you entering into the staircase unless there is an emergency, even if there is a massive line for the elevator, I have only seen this be an issue in casinos).
I am not a fan of escalators, I always take the stairs, I try to avoid elevators as well unless the stairs would be absurd (or are prohibited, which oddly some casinos don't like you entering into the staircase unless there is an emergency, even if there is a massive line for the elevator, I have only seen this be an issue in casinos).
