Why does nobody talk about the back door trick on crowded trains

For months I used to squeeze into the middle cars on the 6 train in New York and stand awkwardly near strangers. Then I noticed the last car is ALWAYS less packed because people don't want to walk the extra platform length. I tried it three mornings last week and got a seat every single time. The downside is you exit further from the station stairs but it's worth it for having elbow room. Has anyone else figured out which car is the sweet spot on their line?

2 comments

2 Comments

victorbutler1mo ago

Wait, aren't you forgetting which direction the train is heading? On the 6 train going uptown, the back car IS the one closest to the station entrance when you get off. But downtown, yeah the front car gets you closer to the stairs. The real trick is just going to whichever end car has the shortest platform walk from the station you board at. I've been doing this on the L train for years and it's legit, the end cars are ALWAYS less crowded because people are lazy. Once you figure out which end of the platform empties out faster at your stop, you've won the whole game.

dianagreen1mo ago

Wait, isn't the back car actually the first car depending on the direction you're going?