Those of us who take public transport know our travel can be a bit more entertaining than the average carpool. That’s really because we don’t get to choose who we travel with. It’s always a surprise. Those who are trying to hide something usually end up being the most conspicuous. They are not paying attention to those around them, only to themselves. And there’s really nothing any of us can do about it, no matter how they are spending their own commute. The variety of ridiculousness is really amazing. You couldn’t make some of these up, because no one would believe you.
Here Kitty Kitty
It’s always friendlier with two, so why not travel with a friend? On public transit, it doesn’t even have to be of any specific species. Sometimes that companion is a cat. They’re not supposed to sit on the seats, so they can always sit inside your coat. But don’t let the cat suffocate, make sure it can breathe, let it stick its head out.
That’s exactly what someone did, as you can see. This woman obviously didn’t want to make a scene, but a kitty needs to breathe. The pair just wanted to be left alone.
Traffic Jam
The real question is how this smart car got down the stairs and onto the platform. Perhaps he's doing his best to avoid New York City traffic, though then perhaps he should have known better than to try driving in the first place. Maybe he was just looking for a bit of quiet, and some air conditioning, on his regular subway ride home.
At least he hasn't blocked the entire aisle, that's more than most people do. Still not something you see everyday, the car or the concern for other people's right of way.
It’s All About The Unicorn
The unicorn lives! Or at least this young lady certainly wishes they did. Sometimes the outfit makes the moment, and this moment is all the more enjoyable because of this unicorn get up. There are no questions. This is the complete embrace of magic, no question.
She is being her true self. If Red Bull gives you wings, this unicorn is on its way to being Pegasus. But unicorns need their me time like anyone else and, we're guessing those earbuds mean this unicorn does not want to be disturbed.
Gotta Do What You Gotta Do
Ever taken the subway home from a sporting event? Then, packed train cars are something you've experienced. Sometimes you just make it on, but there is nothing around you can grab hold of to keep from being thrown into the stranger smashed in beside you.
But this lady was prepared, she came armed with a plunger, and thus her own steady hand hold. Hey, she definitely gets points for creativity. It's travel friendly, too, just in case she has to change trains on a long ride.
Dinner Prep
This lady must have been running really late, because she started dinner preparations before she even got home. Who hasn't chopped onions on the subway? Well, most of us, if we're being honest. At least she knew she'd be running late, or how would she have had all her supplies with her to begin with?
I don't think her seatmates appreciate her preparedness, but they're probably hungry too. But they seem to know better than to bother a lady with a knife, especially a very focused lady in a moving train, with a knife.
Heroes And Villains
Universes collide, and Darth Vader and Batman meet not in the streets or in the stars, but on the subway. If things came to a head, our money is on Darth Vader, with his Force power verses Batman and his utility belt (especially in these close quarters).
It doesn't look like too many other people are dressed to impress, so we're guessing it's not Halloween yet. Maybe these guys are on their way to take some photos in Time Square. Let's just hope everyone made it to their destinations in one piece.
What Do You See?
It is clear this rider wants to be left very much alone. This person clearly wants to be in camouflage. I mean, it's not terribly effective, though you certainly can't see this rider's face. It's not as stealthy as I'm sure was originally planned.
This will not be a particularly chatty seatmate. She seems to be able to see straight through this neighbor's head. Maybe enough camouflage is actually working, a tiny little bit. Have you ever seen anything like this?
Stop, It's Hammock Time
So, it's not the couch we saw earlier, but it has its own very special charm. This guy not only brought, but set up his own hammock for the ride into work (we're guessing). He looks a little too comfortable, and he may miss his stop, but he seems to have been organized enough so far.
Hammocks are notoriously complicated to set up, so good luck beating the doors before they shut. But I guess anyone boarding the train will get a good laugh. At least they can walk around him.
A Personal Bubble
Don't you ever get frustrated when people forget about personal space and enter your bubble? Well, this girl takes her personal bubble very seriously, and actually brought a bubble with her for the commute. No one's gonna get in her way today. We're impressed.
Her statement is clear, and so is her personal space (which is especially difficult while traveling). This bubble is officially known as a Hoberman, and shrinks for easy transport when not in use. That's right, it can shrink to travel size for your convenience.
Certain Sadness
She was prepared to go home and have dinner, now we're not sure if this lady is even going to make it home. She's fallen asleep and may have missed her stop. What we are certain of is she's missing her pizza, which has fallen off her lap and out of its box, and is touching some disgusting subway floor.
That's a New York pizza, and we couldn't be sadder for her, or for us. It's such a waste. Is her situation salvageable? It's unclear. I don't think I'd have eaten the pizza after this, but I don't know that we'll ever have this woman's full story.
Not Your Everyday Paper
Maybe this is just some performance art, but that would be just a little too lucky for New York City. He's talking to this paper person in a way that doesn't look at all false or performed. With so many other commuters, we feel a little bad that this guy couldn't find anyone else to talk to or interact with.
He literally had to make and bring his own conversation companion in a city that's home to millions. You have to respect a guy who knows what he needs and makes it himself. Maybe the paper just has more interesting things to say than the rest of us do.
Lettuce Head
We all talk about going natural and working with sustainable materials, but this lady has taken that idea to the next level. Forget hats of felt or cotton, this woman is literally a head of lettuce, wearing a great leaf as her hat of the day. Maybe you can absorb more nutrients this way, but it doesn't look like she's offering anyone any explanations.
Hopefully, she has a whole head of lettuce at home so she can replace her accessory as needed. Fresh veggies degrade pretty quickly, which is the point, but in this case, can also be a problem.
Serious Game Time
This guy must have been in the middle of some serious questing with no safe savable moment in sight. He's just up and taken his entire Xbox on his real life journey with him, so he doesn't have to give up a minute. No lost time or momentum for him. Maybe his commute today is particularly long and this, while not the most portable, was still his best option.
I mean, wouldn't a Nintendo Switch of a Gameboy have made more sense? I know, he wasn't playing a Nintendo game, but this was quite the heavy load to drag down all those subway steps.
Are We On Time?
The New York trains are notorious for not keeping to a very strict schedule. So what happens when you're below ground without cell service and still wondering if you'll make your appointment on time? Hopefully you're riding with a lady like this and her Flava Flave inspired style.
She's got some bling and some helpful information with her today, because someone will eventually need to know what time it is. Does it work though? Or is it just a fancy bag? Whether this train is late or not, this lady is gonna be a talking point for some time to come.
Tools Of The Trade
So, it's not unusual to see someone putting their makeup on in the morning on public transit. It's actually one of the more normal things a person can get caught doing. But this lady is in a league of her own. She seems to have forgotten a few tools at home, and is putting her face on with a butter knife this morning.
We hope it's working the way she wants, because we'll never know what the final look was supposed to be. All we're left with is this image and the sincere wish that no one was harmed in the making of this beautiful makeover.
She's Comfortable That Way
We get it, we've been there. After a long day of work, you sit down to the slow rocking motions of a train car, and you just pass out. No need for a couch, a bed, or even a comfortable seat. It's embarrassing on public transit, but sometimes there's just no way to keep your head up, or steady, or presentable in any way.
I don't know that I'd be able to sleep if I dozed off in that particular position, but it seems to be working for this lady, and it doesn't look like anyone's going to disturb her.
This Season Is All About Knit-Wear
It takes some skills to knit an outfit like this, and it takes even more courage to wear it out in public. This isn't just a Christmas sweater from grandma, this is a serious outfit made with yarn and needle. Is it art? Is it comfortable? At least it's probably warm, though maybe a little too warm for the subway.
But let's appreciate the skill and passion it took to put this all together. This is talent and love, and that we can certainly respect. Fashion is all personal taste anyway.
The Red Ranger
It's a bird, it's a plane, no it’s the Red Power Ranger on the train, because there is no emergency ,so he doesn't have to get around very fast (we're just guessing here). We can only hope the other rangers aren't waiting on their leader, because he may not make it for a while.
Maybe you've seen the other rangers on your commute, though we'd guess its not particularly often, no matter the color. Hopefully he's just on his way home like everyone else.
Out Of Luck
This leprechaun looks a little out of sorts. No luck coming his way, it seems. Maybe the pot at the end of the rainbow doesn't hold any real treasure after all. We suspected it, but it hurts to know the truth. We feel for you dude, disappointment is the worst. He's over it and on the way out, it looks like.
He's packed it in and is running from the rainbow. We hope things turn out better wherever he's going. We hope there's a real rainbow in this guy's future.
Nap Time
Someone obviously did not get enough sleep last night. This doesn't look like the most comfortable way to sleep, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do, and he doesn't look bothered by it. I mean, this took some work, so I don't think you'd put in the effort if it wasn't at least a little comfortable.
He doesn't seem worried about his comfort, or how he looks to all his fellow riders. Doesn't look like it would be much fun to fall, though.
Do Not Disturb
Well isn't that something? Don't be alarmed, it's just a knit version of the famous face-hugging creature from Alien. It doesn't look nearly as intimidating, though definitely a bit weird for a morning commute. It would definitely keep me from starting a conversation, and that seems to be the point.
It doesn't look like this particular commuter is up for a friendly chat. I mean, it's a statement piece, certainly, a brave fashion choice. It definitely makes it clear you're not up for a debate, or that you really want to be bothered at all. The weirdest part though, is, can you tell if this person is even awake under there?
Pika Pika
Usually you have to catch a Pikachu if you want to see the famous Pokemon, but sometimes you get lucky. Especially lucky here, because this Pikachu is particularly big, life-size in fact. I mean, the arm sticking out of his mouth is a bit, odd, and the fact he's taken public transit at all.
This guy must have needed to be somewhere important to go through all of this. This doesn't look like the real Pikachu, but a man in a suit, and it it's not too comfortable taking public transit on a normal day, so he must be going on quite the trip. He's on a mission and he does not want to be bothered about it.
The Questing Beast
We hope this guy is on his way to one hell of a magical party, because he's certainly dressed for it. It's not every day you run into a zebra centaur, especially on public transit. Maybe he's off to a costume contest. We hope so, because he would definitely win.
This is one brave centaur, he has to be to walk around the city for any length of time dressed this way. The turnstile is its own challenge, but isn't it for everyone? Either it won't scan your card or it won't accommodate your hind legs. We know which problem would make a better story.
When You're Hungry, You're Hungry
This guy was hungry and he doesn't want to be bothered about his dinner time decisions. He is perfectly prepared to eat in peace, using a lovely tray, civilized, rather than the standard burger over the lap. This is a guy who thinks ahead. How everything stays neat and tidy while the train bounces, we can't tell from this picture alone.
But this guy is prepared, and he's going to finish that meal before he gets to his stop. Don't get in the way of a man and his meal, he certainly doesn't let anything come between him and his dinner.
Define This
Do we really care less about what people think as we get older? This guy certainly makes me think so. He doesn't look like he cares at all what anyone anywhere thinks of him. For one thing, that leopard print top in no way matches those polka dot shorts. Red and white? Not a great look.
But maybe that's what we all aspire to be, this guy. His hair is up and he is enthralled in his book. If he's happy, who are we to judge? Maybe one day we will be just as lucky, caring far more about what we put into our minds than on our bodies.
Show A Little Skin
Is it the 90's again? Because this lady is rocking a belly shirt! It's her prerogative what parts of herself she wants to display in public, even if it is a few decades late. But that means she has to take the giggles with the glares, and she seems to be doing just that.
She's traveling like everybody else, even if she is not dressed like everyone else, especially on top. She doesn't look very comfortable, but how could we know for real? Maybe that's the way she likes things to sit.
Not Something You See Everyday
This doesn't look like no pants on the subway day, but this gentleman doesn't look as though he was waiting for an invitation to wear what he wants. Forget boxers, this man has embraced his feminine side. He's embraced it on the bottom and on top.
I hope he's comfortable, at least, and that it's a sweltering summer in New York and not the middle of winter. Let's hope he doesn't have a long ride ahead of him, he might just be hurrying home because he has to change.
So, Have You Seen This Movie...?
Have you seen the movie Saw? If not, this may not look as upsetting to you as it looks to us. If this guy wasn't planning on scaring anyone, we can't quite decide what this mask choice was really all about. That kid doesn't seem to mind, he's taking that picture and doesn't look frightened in the least.
It doesn't look like anyone got hurt, yet, though Saw is a long movie. We are guessing that this look made a lot more people laugh than scream when they saw it.
Eye Of The Tiger
He could play the part, but it doesn't really look like this guy is on his way to audition for a 'Tony the Tiger' role. I don't know that they'd cast him as Tigger either. It's good for a laugh, but I can't tell you what his real story is, maybe he doesn't even remember why he got dressed up like this.
Is it near Halloween? Is he making sure his outfit will still fit for the big night? Unclear, because no one was willing to ask. It would be the type of thing you'd wear to entertain kids, but I don't think anyone was letting their kids near this guy, either.
Judging A Book By Its Cover
Everyone reads on the subway, but not everyone should. Just take a closer look at the title of this gentleman's book. Maybe that's something he should have taken out on a kindle or e-reader, instead of the hard copy. Maybe it's just a joke and he wants a reaction from his fellow riders, he's certainly getting some laughs.
Someone published this book, he's just reading it. We can laugh, but it's hard to judge. Makes you wonder what other titles you've been missing by ignorant passengers on your morning commute.
When You Have To Make A Deadline
This is what a dedicated employee looks like. When a deadline arrives, when the work needs to be finished, sometimes you have to get creative. A laptop is supposed to be portable, but a laptop stabilizer is not quite the same thing. It's clear he was not ready to make small talk, he had a job to do.
He was focused, on his computer and its stabilizer, because a deadline was looming. It's not something you see everyday, no matter what mode of travel you take. I'd imagine it would give you a laugh at the very least.
To Wear Or Not To Wear A Shirt
There are countless signs someone wants to be left alone. This guy's shirt is wide open and his stomach is certainly not the sort of sign one reads and wants to approach for more information. His arms are also out, as if he's preparing to fly or wrap the shoulders of his neighbors in an unasked for bear hug.
And, let us not forget the very clear man-spreading happening here. Hopefully he doesn't want anyone to talk to him because he is sending out all sorts of "stay away" signals. No one is sitting less than two seats away from this guy, and for good reason.
Think Hamilton
So this American Revolutionary styled outfit was probably related to Hamilton in some way, because, at this point, aren't they all? Maybe he's a cast member (though they usually don't let you leave the theater with your costume still on).
This guy looks like he's on the way home though, so there was no show for him tonight. We can appreciate the outfit though, and its attention to detail.
Black Bird Singing
It's a little Edgar Allen Poe, but who can blame a girl for embracing her inner poetry? At least her pet seems to be behaving himself on their joint ride home. She's following the rules of a responsible pet owner, that bird is definitely on a leash (that's more than we can say for the guy who had those rabbits).
Props to her for following protocol and having a well behaved bird. People wouldn't complain so much if all animal travelers were as well behaved.
Big Foot, Is That You?
Did you like that unicorn? Well, the Yeti lives too. This photograph proves the point. It doesn't look like his seatmate is having quite as good a ride as the Yeti, but who knows. She doesn't seem impressed, but she should be, this is a mythical beast, after all. The Yeti needs to get around just like everyone else.
I wonder what made him desperate enough to risk his secret home being revealed by taking the train? It doesn't look like anyone on this ride was willing to take the chance and ask him. Would you have? I mean, how often do we even get the chance?!
Who Cares?
It takes a lot to make New York look up and take notice, especially on the morning commute. If you're not getting hurt, read on your phone and wait for your stop. So while we're laughing at this red clad dude making an upside down ride into the city for the day, no one else in his vicinity seems to have even noticed.
This is probably not the first person they've seen hang from the inside of a train car. Once you've seen one, you've seen them all. This is not the "Subway Maniac" incident any of them were looking for.
Multiplying Like Bunnies
We've seen a cat chilling in a coat, but this is our first look at not one, but two rabbits riding the bus with their proud owner. It's comfortable and casual, though one of those rabbits looks a bit frightened. Maybe it just needs a little personal space. While this guy has an extra bunny with him on this trip, what he's missing is a shirt.
Maybe they're all just trying to keep one another warm. We may never know exactly what was going on here, but as long as they weren't bothering anyone, what's there to complain about?
Germs? What Germs?
Well, they're certainly getting a reaction from their fellow doctors. Don't recognize the style? These guys are dressed as doctors who treat the plague (or used to anyway). We bet those real life plague doctors didn't ride the train like this, though.
There are a lot of germs on public transit, but plague hasn't been an issue in centuries. This isn't a surgical mask to fight smog or the flu, this is a statement piece. Well, these guys are protected from something, that's for sure, but it's certainly not from some questioning looks.
A Living Room On The Go
Apparently the plastic subway seating was not looking its best to this regular rider. It's possible she just went shopping and this is the best way to get her new couch home, but that makes too much sense. Either way, she's enjoying the best seats in the house, certainly the most comfortable.
It's not terribly convenient for everyone else, who have nowhere to walk, or move, it's probably a bit dangerous as well. It does look comfortable though, but she'd probably be more popular if she offered to share.
Comfy Cozy
A little PDA never hurt anyone, watch any movie and it's clear sometimes things can even be a little cute. A kiss here, a hug there, some hand holding never hurt anyone. No one should judge you for being your true self, and letting your loved one be their true self right along with you. But this, this is beyond some good natured PG-13 fun and games.
This is a love in and it's very, very public. He doesn't look terribly comfortable in the chair either. It's awkward and funny, though maybe more awkward if you actually had to be there. It looks like this may have lasted a while.
Metamorphosis
Sometimes its more about the journey than the destination. Traveling can make us change and grow into different people, or in this case, another species. Looks like this woman thought that she could transform into a beautiful butterfly right on the subway floor.
What stage is she at now? Perhaps at the next stop, she will magically fly out the subway doors and continue on her magical journey.
Is This Reality?
Most people are glued to their phones, the odd few take a book, and some people just left to stare out the window. There are so many escapes but the real surroundings always creep back in. Well not for this guy. He made damned sure that nothing gets in the way.
This guy's virtual reality set got him safely to his destination without the slightest outside disturbance. Or maybe he completely missed his stop. Seriously, how would he even know where to go? He's probably in another city by now, or outer space.
Can't Ketchup with Me
What would one say to tomato on the subway? It's not really clear, which is why this is probably a winner for avoiding all human interaction. This vegetable (or fruit?) definitely made it's way unscathed.
Just watch out for those doors, tomato, you might splatter into a tasty condiment.
Submerged
They say that dolphins are one of the most intelligent creatures, right after humans. Well, this is human-dolphin hybrid makes for quite interesting new sub species.
This is some real National Geographic material! Or, it's just a guy reading a newspaper in a dolphin onesie. It's hard to tell.
Hotel Subway
Save some money and turn a subway cabin into an overnight lodge. It also looks like everyone got the message loud and clear, and steered clear of these sleepy heads.
Also, are all those two guys matching outfits on purpose?
It's a War Out There
When hundreds of people are shoving there way through subway doors, getting on a train feels more like you're gearing up for battle, than just getting from point A to B. To make it out in one piece, this guy dressed up as a plastic soldier, and 'soldiered' through the crowds.
One thing begs the question though, how the heck is he breathing?
Thick-skinned
This is one way to avoid conversations on a commute. This is actually terrifying. That rhino outfit is really convincing and pretty darn scary. Everyone just knew to stay out of his way!
Will that creature be able to leave though? It looks like it's going to be a tight squeeze. How did he (or she) get on the first place?
Polly Want a Cracker?
Why talk to the passenger beside you when you can just ride the train with a parrot on your shoulder? It's probably far less awkward anyway. On the other hand, that parrot might be drawing a little too much attention.
Looks like the guy on his left wants to say something.
No Dogs Allowed, But What About Rats?
We hope for everyone's sake that those rats stayed safely in his hood. A free rat on the subway floor is perceived a little differently. Snuggled up in his hoodie, they seem, dare I say, kind of cute?
Most people are more than content with just a cat or a dog. Who knew that some people could really love a rodent.
I'm Not Here
That is no invisibility cloak. Maybe this kid thought he was on the Hogwarts Express train straight to wizard training. If that is this case, he will have to learn that covering your face with a shirt is no way to disappear.
You can't blame him though, he does seem to have a great imagination.
The Forlorn Lover
This man on his medieval-style Celtic harp looks like he's pondering his lost love. He sure did manage to keep everyone at bay while he hummed along on, plucking those strings...Awkward!
Perhaps his lover is on the next stop. He should maybe ditch the harp, you don't want to look too needy.
Just Another Day at The Office
This man's pose is interesting. He looks like a Playboy Bunny, but he also looks like he is preparing for an important business meeting. That briefcase also looks really professional.
No one seems at all fazed by his look, wherever that is, it certainly looks like the place where you are free to be your weird self.
No Ghosts On this Train
There are all kinds of creatures on subways, not all of them we actually see, such as ghosts. But this guy does. It looks like he got rid of them, though it's hard to tell.
We sure hope he did the job, it's perhaps a little more embarrassing for him if he didn't.
Who Needs Friends When You Have Foxes
It always helps to have a travel companion, even if that companion is a stuffed fox puppet. Also, one can tell by his shirt and fox ears, that this guy sure does have a lot to say about foxes.
We think it's fair to say that both he and his furry companion will not be bored on this train ride!
Time Traveling
It looks like this guy came from the 1800s to deliver this little package. Stuck on a modern-day London subway, this gentleman looks simply miserable and ready to turn back immediately.
He should have just taken a horse and carriage.
Just Smile
When you're having a bad day, the best thing to do is just put on a happy face and continue on. If it's so bad that you are not capable of adjusting your face muscles, then the best thing to do is stick on a cardboard cutout of somebody else smiling
It sure is convincing, as not a soul suspects that that is a cardboard cutout!
Subway Wars
In a galaxy far, far away, Darth Vader was feeling a little bored with his life and decided to try things out on earth. His first stop, New York City. Little did know about the world of subways.
Knowing New York subways, it looks like he will fit in just fine.
What Planet Are We On?
This is an interesting species of an extraterrestrial being. It seems that this alien creature has taken a liking to garbage. You know what they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure.
Perhaps on their planet, the treasure is trash! When's the next flight to this amazing place?!
Obama?
Life can be pretty grim when you're not the president anymore. Is this what became of Obama? If that isn't him, then that is definitely his doppelganger.
Sidenote, wouldn't it be great if this guy were to one day become president?
Just a Heads Up Would Be Nice
Maybe it looks a little scary, but at least he is keeping this little head nice and warm. Wrapped up in that scarf, this head actually looks pretty snug. What a nice man.
The big question that we are all perhaps ignoring is, where is the rest of that poor head's body?