I don't live or work in NYC so few of my subway trips are during rush hour.But I would think that standing away and then approaching...cautiously...as the train is slowing to a stop would be a plan.
My basic attitude toward NYC was nicely summed up by Lilly Tomlin on Saturday Night Live..."New York is always knowing where your purse is".
You’re never getting if you stand against the wall unless you cut the “line” when the train comes and risk being attacked by some crazy. Plenty of homeless crazies on the subways with nothing to lose.
I’m thankful every day that I don’t have to take them anymore. Rush hour down there is a zoo.