"If you are afraid to carry an unlicensed firearm, there is an effective substitute. I would recommend a can of hornet spray and a lighter. If you have a problem with someone in a confined space like this and must resort to any means to protect yourself, the combination of these two can be used to project a long stream of flame at the assailant. This spray is intended to be used on a hornet's nest from a safe distance, so when you use it in this manner you can probably strike someone a full subway car length away from you without having dispersal effects from the flame on adjoining passengers."