If you're just off the boat, basic training

New to town? Just passing through? Here's how to avoid standing out as a newbie when you ride the T :

Learn the ropes: Ignorance is no excuse. Spend a few minutes on the MBTA website (www.mbta.com) learning how to get around, and nail some basic information such as how to use the new Charlie fare machines ahead of time. Michael Lake of Lakeslog.blogspot.com writes: ``Whether it be to the person selling the tokens or to the person driving the vehicle, if you're asking questions you're in everyone's way of getting on the train faster. For example: `Which line do I get on to get to Fenway?' `Ma'am, you can find that out by simply looking at the colossal, color-coded, multilingual map that is directly behind you, as well as the millions of signs that direct you on how to get to Fenway.' "

Respect other people's privacy: Avoid looking over someone's shoulder to see what they are reading. Don't stand too close to people -- stay out of their space.

Escalator etiquette: Understand that there are people behind you who are in a hurry. Stay to the right of the escalator to let people pass if you are standing still.