nyc: I am planning a trip up to NYC from out of town to see a friend and need to take mass transit. I am getting on around Penn Station and am getting off around Princes Bay or Pleasant Plains in Staten island. I will be traveling on a weekday afternoon/evening.|||public transportation in this city is extremely safe. Staten Island Rapid Transit Operating Authority D/B/A Staten Island Railway, is a subsidiary of New York City Transit and by that of the MTA (contrary to what one of the other answers said). It's fleet is made up of 63 modified subway cars. Unlike the subway, it's free except at the ferry terminal in the St. George neighborhood and starting two weeks from tomorrow at Tompkinsville station. You pay to enter the station to depart on the train and to leave the station when you arrive there. As an Transit Authority rail line, the fare is paid via MetroCard and entitles you to a transfer to or from the subway (meaning if you don't take your time, the ride from Penn Station to Pleasant Plains is only going to cost $2.25). You swipe once to get into the subway (you're going to want the #1 train to South Ferry) and then again to get on the SIR, but you are not docked a second fare within the 2 hour window.|||New York Transportation is very safe especially during the day. In fact a few weeks ago i went to a club in the village and took the train from Penn Station to 14 street at 12 am alone. Just walk with you head up don't flash your mp3 player or wallet and you will be fine. By the way the subway doesn't go to Staten Island the sis or station Island Railroad is an different company completely separate from the MTA. To go to Staten Island you can take the ferry and probably the bus. Hope you have a good time. :)|||Both NYC Subway and Staten Island Railway are perfectly safe. Fare is $2.25 Staten Island Railway fares are only collected at St. George, Tompkinsville, and Ballpark Station. Please note all Staten Island Railway Stations between Stapleton and Tottenvilles Are Free. Step 1: Take downtown (2)(3) express from 34th St-Penn Station (7th Av side) to Chambers St for downtown (1) to last stop, South Ferry. If (1) comes first, take (1) straight to South Ferry. Step 2: Transfer to free Staten Island Ferry operated by NYCDOT to St. George. Step 3: Paid with any MetroCard to get entry to Staten Island Railway. Step 4: Take Staten Island Railway to Princes Bay or Pleasant Plain Station.|||It is safe and reliable, just be careful with pickpockets at the platforms. Like in any place use common sense and open your eyes.