You can understand why some NYers over the age of 60 have an aversion to riding underground. The subway was a daunting place for the average Joe and Jane in the 1970's. It was hot, noisy, dirty, tagged with a riot of graffiti, with people who got in your face if you looked at them funny. Not a place for the genteel at that time. For them it was taxis or hour long bus rides that might have taken 10 minutes on the subway.

For that matter, the city was a daunting place for many in the 70's, but you weren't trapped underground and could manage by your wits. Things have changed, but without the grit and angst has the city become a bloodless shopping mall?

[1] Yep. The pemdulum swung a little too far in the other direction, methinks.

Pendulum...

I'm not sure if it is bloodless but I understand that perception. I, for one, don't miss being scared all the time.