For many people, the subway is not only a rapid and reliable transit system that brings citizens to the desired destinations. It is also something more than just a simple habit, somewhat tedious and irritating trip. Despite the restricted nature of metro space detached from the ground by massive concrete constructions, individuals perceive the subway trip as a retreat from chaos and rush of modern city life.
In the morning, after passing the fare control system, the long lines of drowsy people stay near the edge of the waiting platform. The majority of them attempt to plan their entire day. It seems that an important-looking man in a nice but not expensive suit carefully figures out how he would persuade a stubborn client to make a deal. The life of an acute patient may be consuming the mind of that older man in a brown coat handling a worn briefcase in his left arm. A younger passenger with a book under his arm anticipates what he would say to the strict professor if the latter finds out that the important group assignment is not done. All these metro customers, who wait for the arrival of the next train, are temporarily overwhelmed with a feeling of anxiety, anticipating the challenges fate prepared for them. They alternately take a look at the real-time schedule, other people, and into the complete darkness of the tunnel.
Suddenly, the distant fuss becomes louder, and light rays disrupt the mystery of the darkness. At that moment, the medium-temperature wind ruffles their hair setting back their compulsive thoughts. That unique and neutral subway smell becomes even more distinct, disseminating weak flavors of steel rails and damp. After train arrival, people quickly flood the subway cabs and start their underground journey. It is a moment when everybody enjoys the last piece of free time. The physician turns to the recent magazine and, with a curiosity of a child, explores political news. In his turn, businessman leaning on the back door surfs the websites, whereas the student listens to the music using his fancy headphones. Other people read books, play mobile games, do the crossword puzzles, or just taking short naps between stations. All commuters now feel detached from problems, as cell service is not working well, and social media messages are usually ignored (Fiegerman, 2017). Metro is a public shelter that helps to ease the pressure of the city.
Reference
Fiegerman, S. (2017). Nearly all New York subways about to get cell service. CNN. Web.