Since August, 2014, I have been working in NYC without a vehicle to drive to/from work. Other than walking from the subway to the studio [.9 miles=1.45km] during the winter in subzero weather and snowstorms, I fared pretty well. All kidding aside, not having a vehicle in the city is definitely the appropriate decision. The subway is the perfect way to travel other than the occasional taxi or bus. The subway is engineered to get you everywhere within walking distance of your end destination.
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| NYC Subway Map |
During production, it was extremely difficult to coordinate 'roundies' to/from the subway station, for me in particular, due to my work schedule. I would arrive at work [inclusive of walking] between 7:07a.m.-7:40a.m. on average and leave, for the most part, after production has left for the night. [Can you say "work-a-holic?"] After production wrapped at the start of April, we were blessed with a vehicle to carry us through wrap. YAY! Let the adventures begin. Rather, let the driving nightmare begin!
Yes...driving in NYC definitely reels in the use of the 'creative' side of your brain. Basic driving rules don't seem to apply here that are the 'norm' worldwide. Specifically speaking, the white dotted lines separating lanes is completely disregarded. It's more of a free-for-all. Double and triple parking causing back ups between 7-9a.m. is par for the course causing cars to back up two-three lights back and/or blocking the intersection. The latter happens often enough that the city has put up signs indicating that blocking the intersection is a fine PLUS. Let's not forget about merging. Merging in NYC is simply cutting in front of someone enabling yourself to advance without so much as a look in the rear view mirror and is done just so matter-of-fact. Definitely don't even think about getting angry as it will get you less than NO WHERE!
If getting sandwiched between two giant trucks racing to get through a light isn't enough, let's not forget about the pedestrians who have the right of way. G-d help any of us in vehicles if we want to get through the light if there is 'walk' sign permitting the pedestrians their turn to cross the pavement.
The most recent vehicle adding to the debacle, if not already an issue is the messenger services; the bicycle. Nowadays, the bicyclists have their own lane. As a pedestrian, you now have to use extra caution so as not to get run over by a bicycle. Nightly, my head is constantly spinning 360 degrees ensuring/praying that the speed bump I drive over is nothing more than a speed bump; not a bicyclist or pedestrian who rides/walks aimlessly and without care in front of my vehicle.
I won't even discuss parking. That's entirely another issue.
