If you buy a daily ticket and you know what car to sit in, you won't get ticketed. As of tomorrow they expire in 6 months instead of two weeks. Happy ridding.
When coming from Penn Station, stand in the back of the 5th car. You'll be let out by the central stairs for easy access to taxis and the bridge to the north side of the station.
If you miss the Manhattan bound train call Four Twos Cab Company 718 746 2222 to take you to the Main St 7 stop for WAY less that the cabs outside the station.
When you walk down the stairs to go to Penn, walk to the third or fourth "watch the gap" sign and get on that train. Its easiest for exiting Penn at 7th avenue and 32nd street.