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INTERACTIVE: Here's Where People Like to Ride on the A, C and E Trains

By Nigel Chiwaya | April 27, 2016 3:35pm

NEW YORK CITY — Whether you're getting on at Jamaica Center, Times Square, or Broadway Junction, Eighth Avenue line subway trains are packed. But, if given the chance, where would A, C and E train riders choose to sit?

In March, we asked DNAinfo New York readers to share their favorite spots on the subway, be they seats by the door or standing spots mid-car. Here's what we learned.

Of the nearly 7,000 DNAinfo readers who have participated in the interactive, about 59 percent said they rode during the morning rush hour, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Most readers said their ride was of moderate length, as 63 percent said their commutes were between 15 and 45 minutes.

Like on most train lines citywide, riders on the A, C and E have a definite preference for lingering near the train doors. In fact, 70 percent of C train and 66 percent of E train riders would choose to sit or stand next to the doors on an empty car. You can see this effect clearly by looking at this diagram of C train seating preferences:

C Train Screenshot

OK, so we've confirmed what every New Yorker knows: door seats are prime subway real estate. But let's take a look at standing, because there are some surprising results to be found there.

Take, for example, the A train. While riders on most other trains said they would stand near the doors on a packed car, A train riders actually showed a willingness to move toward the middle, front and back of the cars. In fact, the most popular standing spot isn't even near the doors.

A Train Screenshot

And take a look at this map of the E train. This is for an empty car with rides of 15-45 minutes. Notice the cluster of readers that chose to stand by the doors.

E Train Screenshot

Click the image below to see the full results for yourself, or click any of the links to see our summaries of other train lines. 

► INTERACTIVE: These Are the Most Popular Spots on 1, 2 and 3 Trains

► INTERACTIVE: These Are the Most Popular Seats on the 4/5/6 Trains

► INTERACTIVE: Here Are the Most Popular Spots on the 7 Train

► INTERACTIVE: Here's Where People Like to Ride on the A, C and E Trains

► INTERACTIVE: These Are the Most Popular Spots on the B, D, F and M Trains

► INTERACTIVE: Here's Where People Like to Sit and Stand on the G Train

► INTERACTIVE: Here's Where People Like to Stand and Sit on the L Train

► Here Are the Most Popular Spots on the N,Q and R Lines