New Yorkers Debate Latest Acceptable Subway Ride Times
A viral social media post has sparked a citywide discussion about when it's too late to board a New York City subway train, with opinions ranging from cautious to defiant.
The question of how late is too late to take the New York City subway has become a trending topic online, igniting a spirited debate among residents.
A TikTok user, identified as "_becsandthecity," recently posted a video asking fellow New Yorkers about their personal cutoff times for riding the subway. She shared her own practice of boarding trains shortly after midnight on Saturdays, which she considers within "safe subway hours."
However, she acknowledged that safety on the subway can be a concern at any hour, influenced by factors such as the specific neighborhood, destination, train line, and the distance from the station to home. "You can argue there are no safe subway hours. You can get on the subway at 7:00 am for your morning commute and see something crazy. Trust me, I have," she stated.
Her initial post and subsequent discussion generated a wide array of responses, with some commenters questioning her judgment while others shared their own cautious approaches. One user suggested that as long as they are "sober enough to fight," they would ride. Another stated their latest acceptable time was 3 p.m. in the afternoon, while others suggested 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. as a period of concern for women traveling alone.
Some riders expressed a preference for the subway over ride-sharing services, citing fears of assault or trafficking by drivers. One commenter asserted, "If you don’t ride the subway whenever you need to, you’re not a real New Yorker," dismissing the discussion as a concern for "transplants."
![A sign reading "42 Street" on a subway station platform in New York City, with a train stopped in the background.]( "A sign reading "42 Street" on a subway station platform in New York City, with a train stopped in the background.")
Opinions varied based on location within the city, with some residents feeling comfortable riding 24/7 in Manhattan but opting for ride-shares in Brooklyn or Queens. Others advocated for proactive self-defense, with one rider admitting to showing "crazies" they are "crazy so they leave me alone." Many suggested riding in the middle car, closer to the train operator.
A New York native shared her personal rule: as a woman, she avoids riding alone past 11 p.m., prioritizing an Uber regardless of cost. She reasoned that while New Yorkers may help each other, the absence of other people late at night increases vulnerability, particularly to unwanted male attention.
The debate also touches upon broader safety concerns, referencing an increase in transit crime. Data indicates that from 2020 through 2025, an average of seven mass-transit riders were killed annually, a rise from the pre-2020 average of two per year. Felony assaults on the subway system have also seen a significant increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Specific lines, such as the J train, were frequently cited as routes to avoid. This sentiment was reinforced by a recent incident where a man was fatally stabbed on a subway train approaching Woodhaven Boulevard. The victim was the sixth murder victim on the subway system that year. The debate highlights the complex and often personal calculations New Yorkers make regarding subway safety and late-night travel.