I am highly skeptical of other replies to this post that make the subway seem like a summertime Shangri-La. While I think it's better than a urine- scented tardy hassle, I don't think many people who have spent a few years in NYC would describe their summer commutes as "pleasant".

Overall it's a miracle public utility that you don't appreciate as much as you should until you've left the city, but that July/August trip is a sweaty mass of humanity no matter how you crunch it.

It's not pleasant, but it beats the hell out of sitting in traffic for 45 minutes.

Thing is, if you're sitting in traffic for 45 minutes, couldn't you walk the same distance in less time?

Not really. Let's say your commute is 50 minutes, with 45 minutes of it being stuck in traffic - during which time you do move, just slowly and unpredictably. During those other 5 minutes though, you might be moving at a pretty good 60mph clip - so that's five miles. Walking that would take an hour.

And that's assuming you're in a walkable place. Many cities aren't built for it, and walking 30 minutes in 102 degree heat in Texas isn't a good option.

I commuted for two years from Long Island to work in Manhattan via the LIRR and subway. It wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst. The sheer amount of time it takes to make the trip i did was more stressful than the jostling and rummmaging on the rush hour E train. Even in the summer.

120 degrees in the train or on the platform? The trains have usually A/C, and if not, you can report it.

I commute on the 8 ave line every day and I've never been on a train without A/C.

Oh, it happens. Not often, sure, but you will experience it one day. The first sign is that everyone else will immediately turn upon entering the carriage, just like they do if some homeless person is using it as their personal toilet.

I caught an uptown C without air conditioning tonight. It was hot, but not as hot as the stations, and I got a seat. It happens, but not very often on that line.

The trains have AC. Occasionally broken in one car but then just move to another car on the 8 or 10 car train (depending on the line).

Apple maps can show you how long it takes to travel by subway.

Also a monthly pass for as many subway and bus rides as you want is about $115.

After a few years I'm pretty much done with the subway except in off peak times perhaps. I've been milking the ride sharing wars and Continue to avoid the subway but it's not sustainable. I am ready for the suburbs I think!