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New Yorkers tend to have a love-hate relationship with the city's extensive underground transit network. Rush-hour crowds can make the system decidedly unpleasant, and even minor mechanical troubles or other unforeseen disruptions can lead to lengthy delays and bad tempers. But when trains are running on time, air conditioners are functioning and the cars are not overly packed, the subway is a marvelously efficient and reasonably comfortable way to get around Manhattan. Crime is really not much of a problem, though passengers should be wary of pickpockets and bag-snatchers, and be extra vigilant when traveling late at night.

With multiple lines passing through some stations, trains that make limited stops and some entrances that only provide access to trains in a single direction, navigating the New York subway system can be confusing for visitors. A good transit map is essential, and if you have Internet access, you can use www.hopstop.com to get exact point-to-point directions for all of New York City. The search results tell you how to walk to the appropriate subway station or bus stop, along with details about which trains or buses to catch in which direction. At the same website you can register for free Hopstop Mobile service, which allows you to get point-to-point directions via any text-enabled cell phone.

The normal subway fare is $2 per trip, but it's possible to save on transportation by buying MetroCard passes available from New York City Transit. Seven-day Unlimited Ride MetroCards good on all subways and local buses cost $24, or you can buy a $7 Fun Pass that covers unlimited subway and bus trips from the first use until 3 am the following day. Another option is to buy pay-per-ride MetroCards, which have no time limit and offer a 20 percent bonus value for cards of $10 or more. Buy a $10 pay-per-ride card, for example, and you'll get $12 worth of subway rides (a total of six trips). A single pay-per-ride card may be used by up to four passengers traveling together, while unlimited-ride passes require each passenger to carry a separate MetroCard. See the New York City Transit website (www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct) for purchasing information and other details.