Originally Posted by makeinu
1. I commuted on the NYC subway for several years.
2. Regardless of whether or not you can convince people to make room for your bike, there's no rule that says you can't take a nonfolding bike on the subway.
New York City has one of the most liberal rules regarding bikes on board trains. These changes were made on behalf of Transportation Alternatives so you're lucky to have them. Try to bring your non-folder in Path, SEPTA or the Chicago El during rush hour and you'll get kicked off fast! There are many others that will not allow non-folders during rush hour so this is nothing new.