The New York City Subway is an essential part of keeping millions of New Yorkers moving throughout four boroughs, and it’s home to many interesting characters that commuters often come across from time to time on their journeys throughout the city. I asked HSMSE students about their strangest encounters on the subway, and here’s what they had to say:
The comments submitted have been edited for length.
What is the strangest thing you’ve encountered on the NYC Subway?
Eli Gologanova (’25): On May 3, 2024, I was taking the B train home with my boyfriend, who was just accompanying me for part of the commute. I take the B train for over 30 stops to get home and I like being able to see the whole car, so my favorite seat is the corner window seat on the R68/R68A trains. At 110th, a man with a baseball cap walked onto the car and said he “[effed] with our style” because we were sitting in his usual spot. He rambled for ten minutes and we came up with a bunch of theories later as to this guy’s behavior; our favorite was that he just wanted to scare us off the train so he could get his seat back.
Astrid Clayton (’25): One time when I was riding the 1 train, a man walked on with some huge duffel bags. He unzipped a bag and pulled out a mannequin head, then started displaying his handmade knitted hats that he (and his wife, I think) made in their free time. I regret not buying a hat—I’ve been trying to find his Instagram ever since, but it hasn’t worked so far. I think his name was Marvin the hat guy, possibly. Let me know if you find his page!
Lucian Lipton (’26): Anthony Zelevinsky.
Leah Asinovski (’25): One time, I was on my way downtown when the subway train stopped between two stations. A man was walking around my train car and playing a saxophone, intermittently making really strange and unnecessary comments. A lady angrily told him to stop talking. A different man ran into the train car, and tackled one of the passengers closest to the door. Everyone huddled as far away as possible. The man ran back where he came from, having robbed the other passenger. The train finally began moving, and I sprinted out as soon as we got to the next stop.
Ella-Devi Weerackody (’25): One time, I evaded the fare and a cop saw me do it, got on my train, and proceeded to stare at me for the entire time I was on the train. I thought I was gonna get arrested and I was absolutely petrified so I didn’t move. He stayed with me from 116th to Canal and then got bored and left.
Kevin Chen (’28): The strangest thing I encountered on the NYC subway is someone sleeping under the seats. So, I was on the N train and when I kicked my feet back, I heard a sound and then I looked under and saw that someone was under there.
Anonymous (’26): One time when I was taking the A train to the airport, a guy got on at 145th Street with an e-scooter, a suitcase, and a pillow. After 125th, he put the pillow on the floor by the door, lay down, and proceeded to take a nap. He gradually skidded closer to the door. He went to such lengths to get his shuteye on the train, I couldn’t help but admire his dedication to meeting Morpheus, even if only until Lefferts Blvd.