Are They Unavoidable?

Can it be said in all honesty that these hazards and discomforts of subway travel are unavoidable? Surely not when one learns that Mexico City, with its more limited resources, enjoys a new subway system that is practically noiseless, impeccably clean and pleasant, swift, and, above all, economical. As Mexicans wait a few moments for a train in one of their distinctively decorated stations, listening to soft music, New Yorkers wait much longer in some dimly lit station where better lighting would only serve to accentuate the dirt.

As New Yorkers shove and jostle their way up and down the approaches to subway stations, Mexicans enjoy the blessing of one-way traffic, for their exits and entrances are entirely separate. Often in New York one experiences the frustration of delay due to people who come rushing to the platform at the last second and hold the doors open for their friends who are trailing behind them. In Mexico City this is not possible. As soon as the train begins to enter the station, gates close off the platform so that only those already on the platform may board. The train stop is only seventeen seconds.

In Mexico, at least two cleaners are on the job at each station. Vandalism is not tolerated. Guards at all stations stand ready to counsel and correct carelessness or abuses. Instead of advertising in stations, the Mexican authorities display panoramic photographs, underlining progress throughout their land. Each subway station is named for some historic event or personality, somehow connected with the location. That theme is maintained throughout the station’s decor.

And what about the noise? New York’s subways admittedly are noisy, but things could be different. In Mexico trains move along noiselessly. How is this accomplished? By the train’s having rubber tires, each tire with a steel wheel that can be used if the tire loses its pressure.

In Mexico City all the subway employees are new on the job.

In Mexico City the single fare works out at about 10 cents.