(NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
I was reading the safety thread for newbies and saw quite a lot of warnings about taxis.......This is already something I was concerned about to begin with. So I was wondering...If you're working in a club in NYC would you say its safer to walk to 9/10 blocks to a train? Or take a cab to a train? Also I know clubs must have some services that they trust for their girls but even then, which option would you say is better?
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
Def. catch taxi.
I have worked at clubs where bouncers register the taxi number, time and the dancers' name who is getting in the cab-all visibly in front of the driver. I also ask the driver for his reg. number and text it to my partner (making it very obvious what I'm doing). If questioned I tell him that I have had some very bad experiences with drivers (I have) and that my husband has asked me to text him driver info and my likely arrival time.
No need to let the driver know if you don't have a man waiting, let him think you do. Husband sounds better than boyfriend. Also remove strippermakeup before you leave the club and wear a plain tracksuit (some drivers make assumptions based on appearance which is bullshit of course but why risk it?). Even keep your money pinned inside your clothes so if you did get robbed then you would only lose your bag.
Also sit in the back with your bag right beside you (not in the boot). Have your fare ready and your keys in hand(which you can use as knuckle dusters if necessary). Know the way home! Get an idea of the direction and areas on the way home. Don't allow yourself to be driven elsewhere (it happened to me right before he invited me to his home for sex).
If I think of anything else I will post.
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
In NYC, you can now use car hailing apps like Uber and Hailo.
You create an account, and with the click of a button, you can hail a taxi or black car to pick you up wherever you are, without having to stand on the street with your arm flailing, attracting attention. The app stores your transactions, and there is a history of who your driver was, the car number, etc. All the drivers are vetted, so it's far less likely to come across a creep. Also, the customer service for these companies is, in my experience, excellent. If ever a problem was to arise, you can feel pretty certain that the company will take care of you. They are VERY interested in making sure their drivers provide professional, reliable service. I can't say enough good things about my experiences with these companies.
Also, Uber stores your payment info, so there is absolutely NO fumbling with cash or credit cards required. You don't even tip. You just get in the car, and get out at your destination, and then you get an e-mail later letting you know your cc was charged. It's fucking terrific. (Hailo, you have to pay the driver at the end of your trip, like normal.)
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
I usually go walk with three girls to the closest train but if i was by myself, I would def take a cab home.
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
id take cabs until youre familiar with your route but I frequently walked with girls esp when we left super late (after 5). a lot of times we would go get food or something and by then the sun would be up and we would feel fine walking separate ways if necessary. but thats just me I liked the fresh air and the relatively empty streets. if youre drinking you probably wont want to walk 10 blocks lol.
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
I am cheap when I'm working so depending on where my club is I will take the bus home at night. Preferably with a buddy, but I've also done it alone, but only when I only have to take one bus, the one that picks me up outside the club and drops me off outside my door. A different club I work in is in a sketchier area and not near night transit so I cab either way after working there. not to threadjack but does anyone bike to/from work? I've been debating it lately as it takes me 15min to bike to my club but 40 min on public transit...and free!!!
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
Cabs, ALWAYS. Subways are dangerous at night. There are bums down there and even if you don't get robbed, you will be harassed for being pretty (makeup or not).ax
Like someone else said, clubs usually have their own drivers that are established with the club. Ask the bouncer outside. If not, there are usually cabs parked out front. If you're worried about the price, get a receipt and you can claim on your taxes.
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Odette
not to threadjack but does anyone bike to/from work? I've been debating it lately as it takes me 15min to bike to my club but 40 min on public transit...and free!!!
I knew a girl who biked to work, though I think usually only for day shifts. The main things I'd take into consideration are how you look after a bike ride and if there's somewhere secure to store your bike while you work.
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
There's cheap and then there's putting yourself at risk. As Ariel said, keep reciepts and claim it on tax, it would only take being mugged once to wipe out almost a years worth of taxi rides, without mentioning the physical risk of being on foot/bike.
Don't dither over the money, just pay for the taxi and the peace of mind.
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
Super scary! glad I read this.
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
Quote:
i'd take cabs until you're familiar with your route but I frequently walked with girls esp when we left super late (after 5).
True for Manhattan, which NYPD watches like a proverbial hawk. Definitely NOT a good idea to be walking around at 5am in other areas of NYC.
Quote:
Subways are dangerous at night.
somewhat true for Manhattan, more true for other boroughs !!!
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
I second Uber and Hailo. I use them in Dallas all the time, the service eliminates most of the risks that a cab carries.
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
+1 for never keep your earnings in your purse. And I used to take the subway at night, until every crackhead and raving lunatic in New York crawled out of the woodwork specifically to give me shit. They're annoying at the best of times. You'll have a better time if you take a cab. But also be careful of the shithead cab drivers who will take you for a spin just to keep the meter running.
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
My priorities are off so I only take a cab all the way home if I'm gonna miss the 4:50 train.
Like others have suggested I keep money strapped to my ankle under pants. Phone and keys go in a pocket so my bag is effectively a decoy (although losing $250 in stripper gear would suck). There are people on the subways 24/7; what worries me the most is the walk from the club to the station. When I worked at a club that was a 12 min walk from the subway I would take a cab to the nearest station or walk in a group. I work one very busy avenue away from the closest station now so what I'll do is look around and ask the door guy if there are any customers lingering to their knowledge. If not, I proceed with caution and pay attention to my surroundings. If there are, I wait a little bit. There have been a couple times where a creepy customer has specifically waited outside for me. I stay glued to the bouncer's side until I can get into a cab and I always make sure he doesn't grab another one and follow me.
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
^Same, the walk to the subway was scariest. When I worked at Hustler I was pretty ballsy and actually walked around the city if the coast was clear. One night I was walking to the nearest subway with another dancer friend and some dude (not from the club) started following us while ranting at us. I managed to hail a cab in the nick of time and we got out of there. For clubs that are so far out of way its been cabs since then.
I think I know which club you're talking about. I never had too many problems in that area since its well lit and there are always people around. I would suggest being careful around that hotel across the st from the big station, I've seen bums hanging out over there on that avenue.
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
When I danced in a walk-friendly city, I usually took the bus there and cabbed home. Sometimes carpooled with people to and from. Sometimes cabbed it both ways.
I would totally use Uber if I were still dancing honestly. Much safer. Cabs are too anonymous and you are probably going to pay in cash which also isn't very safe. Handing them a card with your name probably isn't any better though TBH. Uber is smart.
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
I love uber but I only use it if I can't find a taxi easily.
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
We need to be alert and concentrated. What I prefer is:
1.) Always leave in a group.
2.) Try to get the Cab quickly.
3.) If the area is good lit up then you can walk to the subway if its not that faraway.
4.) Try to get Uber and Hailo if possible. They are eve better then Cab carriers.
Re: (NYC) Is it safer to walk to a train or take a cab home?
Is it not US dancer protocol to use a driver?
I know here, girls who take the bus/metro/cab are considered silly as they are easily followed. But drivers are great. They wait for you inside the club, walk you to the car, and usually have a fixed rate.