Of the many iPhone and iPod Touch apps designed to navigate the New York City subway system, the NYC Subway Map app, released by Gotham Wave Games, comes up short. Though the app is free, I wouldn’t recommend downloading it because it is far too minimal.
The app’s only feature is a map of the subway system. Even with the recent addition of bus routes to LaGuardia Airport, the NYC Subway Map lacks important route and station information like service changes and station accessibility. On top of that, the map is barely legible with only two viewing options. Unfortunately, one is far too small while the other is too large.
Though the app did get one thing right by enabling users to view it offline, the only time that feature would be essential is in the actual subway. In that case, the giant maps displayed in each subway car are far easier to read.
Instead of downloading the NYC Subway Map app, I recommend spending the $2.99 it costs to download the City Transit – Official NYC Subway Map. This app includes official MTA licensed subway maps, a GPS-based station finder and line service advisories. In a city where service disruptions are commonplace, having a guide with service information is vital.
