"Take the subway" is a commonly used phrase to describe the action of riding on a subway.
The word "subway" originated from the London Underground, which was originally referred to as the "subway" because it was a subterranean (underground) railway system. The term became popular and was eventually used to describe underground rail systems in other cities as well.
Example sentences:
I always take the subway to work.
Let's take the subway instead of a taxi.
Have you ever taken the subway in New York City?
Translations:
我总是乘地铁上班。
让我们乘地铁，而不是乘出租车。
你在纽约市坐过地铁吗？