Streetwise Transitwise Map - Laminated New York Metropolitan Commuter Rail Map - Folding pocket size travel map (Streetwise (Streetwise Maps))

User Review: - Extremely Well Worth It!!
While planning my second trip to NYC, and remembering the frustration of relying on that "free" subway map which was completely tattered and torn by the end of my first day in the city, I researched several laminated options with seemingly the most comprehensive information and went with this one. I was not disappointed. It stored nicely in my interior coat pocket, and I used it several times as a convenient bookmark for my travel guide book. Most importantly, the information contained on the map is quite easy to read considering the overall size of this product.
You can purchase numerous city maps with subway overlays, but this one had (in my opinion) the most useful information. If I had to pick just one map to take along, this would be it.

One slight disadvantage of this map is that to have all the subway trains from the Bronx to outer Queens represented, it's simply not possible to include a city street grid along with the subway lines and still have it readable. So, it is helpful to also have a second city street map for reference purposes while using this product. This is the only way to determine, for instance, specifically how many blocks one might need to walk to a particular station. To me this was not a problem, however, because my travel guide had any number of maps I needed for this purpose, so they complimented one another and worked together well. My friends ended up relying on me to be our group navigator because this method turned out to be the most efficient system for determining where we needed to go and exactly HOW to do it.

I think the most important and helpful feature of this map is that EVERY train stop along all subway lines is included along with which SPECIFIC trains actually stop at each station. The most confusing aspect of the NYC metro rail is knowing which trains are "express" or "local". You sometimes have a number of train options to take from one location to the next, but it is possible to jump on a train which might travel through the particular station you want without stopping during certain hours. Most other maps include only the station information and what number/letter trains go through, but NOT which lines are express or local. You avoid using a third reference source to get this information by using the Streetwise map. It's all right there! You can quickly glance down and see if the train approaching will stop at the destination you're seeking, making it possible to adjust your itinerary on the fly instead of sticking to one you and your friends just plotted out at the restaurant (which took ten minutes to do as everyone argued about the "best" way to get from point A to B!) This info lets you save time by glancing quickly at the map to see if the train just arriving (not necessarily the one you planned to take) might also take you to the same destination, reducing wait times and averting the need to tediously plan out each and every move with no flexibility. I liked being able to use the map in this way because we seemed much less like tourists. A quick glance, and we were on our way as the map slipped rick back in my pocket. I giggled a few times at some other tourists who were juggling the five maps they needed to get the same information, and thought they should have bought the Streetwise.

A very wise investment of a few bucks. The map is durable and I will be using mine again and again. The best part is that with my new familiarity of how to use this particular product in the most efficient way, getting around my next trip will be a snap! Buy this map...you won't regret it!

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User Review: - Perfect for Classroom Use
I've been using this map (multiple copies) in my classroom during my class' New York City unit for the past several years. It is perfect for our needs, though it only shows half of Manhattan on each side, so it is not great for display purposes. We also take it with us when we visit the City on our class trip and it is perfect for walking/riding around - very clear and easy to read.
Good value for the money.

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User Review: - Helpful
Purchased for my daughter prior to her attending college in NYC. She says this has been very helpful in navigating her way around