I know we all do the phone check, but why is it always at the exact spot where the stair rail ends? I’m not expecting a full track sprint, but taking two steps left before stopping would fix 90% of the morning crunch.

This week I saw a guy stop, turn around, and start looking for his friend going the other way. At Atlantic-Barclays. On a Tuesday. Just curious if other stations have this or if it’s a special 2/3/4/5 transfer skill.

I’m sort of new to the big transfer stations and honestly thought you were supposed to stop at the top to figure out which staircase goes to the LIRR? I did it once and got a huge line of sighs behind me, but I couldn’t tell if I was in the wrong or just standing in a bad spot. How do you know which side to move to? Also, is Times Square actually worse, or is that just something people say?

Just tried the left-side hover thing this morning—like I slow down but keep taking small fake steps toward the wall while I check the signs. A guy with a duffel bag clipped my elbow, so maybe I didn’t move far enough.

Is it true the signs for the D/N/R are placed so you have to stop to read them? I just don’t want to be the person everyone hates.

beth, Times Square is worse only because there are nine exits and every one has a group with a stroller looking at a map. dykernewbie, the fake move is fine if you actually stick the landing against the wall.

Real pro move: keep walking until you’re clear of the handrail, then pull to the right behind a pillar, never in the mouth of the stairs. If you need both hands to read the signs, step to the side where the cops stand. The only pass I give is when the rain is sideways and the canopy ends exactly there.