Vent: People who block the escalator exit to check their phones

I noticed this happens almost every morning at the 34th Street station. Someone steps off the escalator and just stops dead right there to look at their phone while 20 people behind them have nowhere to go. Yesterday I counted 4 people in a row doing this between 8:15 and 8:20. My question is do you think it's better to tap them on the shoulder or just squeeze past real fast without saying anything?

4 comments

4 Comments

dixon.iris1d ago

Is it just me or does that slow-motion panic set in when you see someone freeze at the top of the escalator? I feel your pain honestly, it's like they forget basic subway etiquette the second their phone buzzes lol. Squeezing past feels rude but tapping a stranger is always awkward so I usually just mutter "excuse me" and hope for the best.

miles_young592d ago

Read somewhere that New Yorkers lose 7 minutes a week to escalator blockers.

the_linda1d ago

7 minutes sounds made up, I see way more tourists just standing there.

taylor.sean1d ago

I started just saying "excuse me" loud and firm as I'm walking up, before I even get to the blocker. That way it's not awkward, and people usually snap out of it and move over. And if they don't, I just brush past with a quick "sorry" and keep going. The key is not to hesitate or make eye contact. Most people freeze because they're waiting for someone else to make the first move, so just do it. It saves a ton of time compared to standing there fuming.