In an effort to reduce the number of cars on the streets, cities turn to the improvement or development of public transportation. One of the more common means of transport is the subway system, a network of underground trains that can stretch for miles. These subways connect cities and allow travelers to reach their destination in a short amount of time.
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An unexpected outcome of successful public transportation projects is overcrowding. As much as local governments try to build more trams and coaches to accommodate commuter traffic, many major cities are overwhelmed by their own populations. Uninitiated commuters could get lost and confused in a maze of people and be discouraged to take public transport altogether. New commuters, in particular, would do well to abide by these suggestions:
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Learn rush hour times: Commuters should know when rush hours are. It is typical for subways to be extremely crowded during these times. These can be extremely dangerous times, especially if one suffers from asthma, claustrophobia, or any condition that could be affected by being around lots of people. It may be considered a hassle, but a few hours before or after rush hours are safe windows for commuters to avoid crowds.
Know the stations: Sometimes it is inevitable to commute during rush hours. In these cases, commuters are advised to learn how each station fills up. Some stations are bigger than others, and are not so bad even when filled with people. These are normally situated in bigger cities or areas. Overcrowding cannot be avoided but at least the commuter will have a better chance of getting inside the train first.
Modern city planners are still figuring out ways to improve the subway system so that overcrowding is no longer an issue. In the meantime, these professionals suggest commuters also strategize with their routes to lighten the daily commute.
Lisa Dudzik specializes in major construction projects involving existing city infrastructure such as highway and subway systems. Learn more insights about infrastructure by following this Twitter account.
