How to get on E train in the worst rush hour

One day, south-bound E train was delayed and the platform was completely full. But, I got into impossibly packed train (despite some people yelling at me “you can’t fit in! get off!” and realized I perfected the skill of squeezing into a crowded train I practice every day in Fifth Ave station in the worst rush hour.

The mix of tourists, shoppers and Mad Men & Women in suits in this particular station contributes to create the worst commuting experience in NYC. It is comparable to one in a rush hour of Tokyo Metro with professional pushers helping you get in, but New Yorkers are harder to be squeezed with because they get annoyed easier and smell worse.

My goal is to maximize my hours in office, get on LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) on time which runs every 30 minutes, and minimize the stress of too close encounters with other commuters so that I can take a good nap on LIRR before gym. So, it is critical I get on to this E train in the busiest time…

This is how I do it.

1) I put on aroma oil named “calming” (no artificial perfume that can be annoying in proximity) right before the ride so I smell pleasant to people around me. Some people push hard with their butt or arms when annoyed, so I want to make my 10-minute neighbors happy.

2) I tested around 5 train doors close to LIRR exit and found a slightly more breathable one than others (surprisingly consistent even though not always).

3) Then, step into the train if I can find the smallest room on the floor for my feet. Don’t worry about getting all the body in now.

4) While the train door is open, just stay there (even if 80% of my body is outside of the train). Give everyone around a smile. (a nerdy cute smile works the best to bring out compassion). Don’t say sorry (before I get in completely). It can make people more aggressive for some reason.

5) When the door tries to close, very quickly push the body into the train. People naturally (unconsciously) squeeze more when the door closes. So, they don’t realize I push on them.

6) Don’t be afraid to fold body into weird angle to utilize small room between people. Breathe in and imagine my body smaller.

7) Have a good balance when I don’t have access to pole or handle to help. This is a challenge to me due to my flat feet, but I am getting better.

8) Now, I am settled. I play my favorite music on headphone and imagine I am on a Caribbean beach with closed eyes.

I am a little worried about when the weather gets colder and everyone wears thicker jackets. But, I will figure it out then.