New York City, more than any other place in the world, depends on a good business to keep its people going. These businesses range from the huge Wall Street stock market to the man on the corner with his hot dog cart, or even the people in the subway. We have all seen them, the people who use the subway to do business; selling everything, from batteries to power drills, or the ones who raise money for the poor or homeless.

Every train ride gives something new to think about; “will there be delays today” or even “what will the train vendors sell today.” The products being sold on the trains can range from simple AA batteries to a full set of electrical drills, or bigger. Seeing these people selling goods of such size brings questions to mind. “Who are they working for, why are they working for them?” The convenience of having these things offered is enough to make us forget these questions and indulge in the available goods. Besides, saving time and getting to work or home on time is all that matters, right? I mean, who wouldn’t want an extra pair of batteries for their dying CD player or a toy to entertain their child, or who wouldn’t want a full set of drills?

Looking into the New York City Transit Rules of Conduct shows that such activities are not exactly legal. Even though the person may be working for a sick child, or supporting a poor family, it is still wrong. We live in New York City after all; which stranger can really be trusted here? It wouldn’t be pleasing to see one of those beggars walk out of the train and into a Lexus now would it, especially if you just gave that two dollars to them. According to the Rules of Conduct of the NYC Transit, it is illegal to panhandle, or engage in unauthorized commercial activity, so these poor vendors are still committing a crime.

Being the consumers doesn’t exactly keep us out of trouble; we are still participating. Therefore, the next time you crave something sweet, or find that your CD player is sounding a little weak, pick up your batteries, candy, and gum at the local convenience store on the corner. It is safer, more reliable, and legal, I mean, you would not want to be arrested for buying a pack of gum; that is just ridiculous.