Metro Time

This map illustrates how the Metro can drop you off at the doorstep of virtually any destination. Props to Madrid for having such awesome transporte público. 

Today marks the first day of March. And for all the Spanish users of public transportation, that means it’s time to buy a new “abono” pass.

Abono passes are unlimited passes to use the metro and bus system around Madrid, purchased on a monthly basis. I have to present an obnoxious orange card with a Driver’s-License-bad quality photo on it to receive my special youth (“joven”) discount.

30,50 euros down, and I’m free to ride anywhere in the city for the rest of the month. Though I walk to school everyday, the metro is very useful for orienting myself and speedy travel during my touristy excursions to random locations.

After spending a summer on the DC metro, I’m starting to feel like a regular train rider. But the Madrid metro definitely has its own idiosyncrasies. Here are a few I’ve observed:

• The doors will not open unless you push the big green buttons on both sides. So whether you are entering or leaving a train, just standing there waiting for them to open could cause you to miss your stop.
• Staring is the norm. If you spot a cutie, indulging in a two-minute long stare down is 100% acceptable. And if someone is staring at you, no need to be creeped out. (Don’t let it go to your head either though. It doesn’t necessarily mean someone thinks you’re cute... he/she could also just be fascinated by your American-ness.)
• The beggars are all very talented. I have not seen a single beggar just asking for money; rather they perform. People of all ages constantly hop on the trains and play every instrument you can imagine from an accordion to the drums hoping to score a few euros. The ones that remain stationary in the stations even dance.
• All of the trains are open once you step inside, so if there aren’t any free seats in your car, it’s totally safe to just keep walking until you find a less crowded car, or arrive at your stop.. Whichever comes first.
• When the train gets crowded, people throw bows and show no mercy. “Excuse me” or “Perdón” is never uttered when pushing someone out of the way to jump on the Metro.  Smiling at a stranger is straight up out of the question. This is the perfect time to let your inner-barbarian come out.