8 Best Safety Devices for Public Transportation

After living in New York City for a decade, it’s safe to say I’ve ridden the subway and bus a thousand times. I’ve taken public transportation to work, to friends’ apartments, and home from bars in the dead of night. And while you undoubtedly need to keep your wits about you, it would be wrong to say that riding public transportation in New York is a risk in itself. That being said, my biggest advice for travelers going to the city and using the train or buses is to be alert, aware of your surroundings, and careful with your luggage.

If you’re traveling to New York (or really any big city) in the coming months and are worried about riding public transportation, first, take a deep breath—it’s more than likely going to be a smooth ride. But if you want to come prepared with some thoughtful work-related safety measures, keep reading to find eight gadgets and hacks I recommend for a stress-free commute around town, starting at just $8 at Amazon.

He is the original personal safety alarm birdie

Many years ago, my mom gifted me a Birdie personal security alarm for peace of mind during my nights, commutes and general travels. Since then, it has been a staple on my keychain. When you pull the pin from the top, the device emits a flashing alarm accompanied by a flashing strobe light that will instantly scare you, drawing attention to the situation. Fortunately, I’ve never had to use it (even in New York after 10 years), but I’m always happy to cheer it on during late-night subway rides.

Travellon Anti-Theft Classic Messenger Bag

Theft is always a possibility while traveling – and not just in New York! – So it’s smart to have a safe bag with you during your subway trip. This Travellon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag can be worn as a crossbody, a first line of defense, but also features zippers, an RFID-blocking exterior, and slash-proof straps that will keep your belongings safe and secure on your body. The roomy interior gives you plenty of room for everything during a day of exploring the city, and the exterior features a handy pocket that’s the perfect size for storing a water bottle.

Saber Pepper Gel

If you’re going to New York, it’s important to remember to have pepper spray No TSA approved. But if you’re driving or taking the train, you’ll want to keep this gel option handy for traveling around town at night, even more to ensure your safety. If you spray traditional pepper spray in an enclosed area, it will effectively affect everyone nearby (yes, yourself included), so it’s smart to opt for a more targeted gel formulation. This premium pick from Suede comes with a hand strap for easy access, and is made with UV marking dye. Plus, it’s only $10 right now.

Charmas portable charger with built-in cables

Navigating an unfamiliar form of transportation can be difficult, and while it’s important to make sure your eyes aren’t glued to your phone all the time, it’s just as important to keep your device charged so you can get there without losing access to your map. The Charmas Portable Charger with Built-in Cables is a T+L Editors’ Choice favorite that features a handy display on the front to let you know how much battery it has left, and you can charge up to six devices at once (if you’re with a group). This will be a game changer throughout your commute, but is especially useful for traversing the subway system.

Acebon 2-in-1 Emergency Car Escape Tool

While the subway and bus are the most popular modes of transportation in New York, it’s never a bad idea to have a car-related safety device on your person if you find yourself calling an Uber to dinner. This compact tool doubles to help you avoid a car in the event of an accident, as both the window breaker and seat belt cutter will take up hardly any space in your bag, so it’s a no-brainer addition to your packing list. It’s designed to shatter tempered glass in just one strike by targeting the corner of the window, and it’s generally a good idea to keep it on your keychain if you’re in the car a lot.

Venture 4th Travel Money Belt

It’s good practice to keep your important travel documents and cash out of the way and easily accessible when traveling by public transportation in any city, and the best-selling Plan 4 Travel Money Belt is a fuss-free way to store your essentials when you’re on the go. The slim pouch clips around your waist and can be tucked under your shirt, keeping you from looking too touristy, and it’s moisture-wicking and breathable for comfortable all-day wear. If you don’t feel comfortable carrying a huge purse out and about, this subtle option is a great alternative.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

The best advice I can give for riding the subway is to always be aware of your surroundings – of course, this is most easily done when you’re not wearing headphones. However, if you insist on listening to music during your commute (and who can blame you), it’s best to choose a pair that are subtle and can be used without noise cancellation, so you can still hear what’s going on around you. And Allows you to be more aware than if you were wearing bulky headphones.

Google loves the Pixel Buds Pro 2 T+L Editor and is currently on sale for up to 26% off. They boast a snug fit, so you don’t have to worry about them popping up in the subway grate and slipping off, and they’re great at listening to music while alerting.

Minio Self Defense Keychain

If you need to defend yourself against an attacker on the subway—a rare occurrence, but something worth preparing for—the Mini Self-Defense Keychain will be a worthwhile addition to your packing list because it’s TSA-friendly and incredibly portable. It’s more durable than the old trick of holding your keys between your knuckles, and it’s non-lethal, so you don’t have to worry about taking major damage. The packable device will provide peace of mind, and has also garnered thousands of five-star ratings from happy buyers.

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