The Morning News Guide to Urban Etiquette: New York City
Don’t engage other passengers in mild conversation; they’re preoccupied with the same activities and usually don’t wish to be disturbed. The very act of riding the subway is a performance in itself. While many riders may secretly wish to have a chat with you (you may be very hot), they are far too involved — as should you be — in complete submersion in their chosen character: that of the mute.
