By love-89.com As the New York subway system approaches its 120th anniversary, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is collaborating with the New York Transit Museum to celebrate this milestone with an exhibition titled “The Subway Is…” This special exhibit recently opened and will offer nostalgic train rides in October and November, giving participants an exclusive chance to explore two long-closed subway stations in Manhattan.
The roots of New York’s above-ground public transit date back to the mid-19th century, with the first fully underground subway line debuting on October 27, 1904. This pivotal moment made New York the second city in the U.S. to establish a subway system, right after Boston, which is why October 27 is recognized as “Subway Day” in the city.
**A Journey Through Time at the Exhibition**
Following a tumultuous period of competition between private and public transit entities, the subway system was consolidated in the 1940s under the city’s transit authority, laying the groundwork for the system we know today. The varying standards adopted by different companies during its early days resulted in discrepancies in train sizes and signaling systems, ultimately giving rise to the unique dual-numbering system—combining both letters and numbers for subway lines.
Over its 120-year journey, the subway has reflected New York’s cycles of boom and bust. Safety concerns and aging infrastructure, which attract criticism today, were similarly felt during the subway’s notable decline from the 1960s to the late 1980s, often in far more severe forms. The evolution of the subway serves as a mirror to the ups and downs of New York’s own history.
Located in downtown Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum is a major attraction, boasting an extensive collection showcasing various eras of subway trains. The current exhibition, created in partnership with the MTA, highlights the subway’s rich 120-year history through artifacts, photographs, documents, and multimedia presentations. Featuring a variety of interactive elements, it promises to be a captivating experience, particularly for families, merging education with entertainment.
The subway is not only a vital transportation network but also an integral part of New York’s historical and geographical narrative. By exploring its past, visitors can learn about the geology of Manhattan, characterized by solid rock and various geological layers. A century ago, the intricate network of subway tunnels was considered an engineering marvel. Furthermore, the diverse immigrant labor force that built the subway has played a crucial role in enriching New York’s cultural tapestry.
The exhibition goes beyond mere historical facts, prompting visitors to consider pressing questions: How did this groundbreaking innovation, introduced over a century ago, shape urban transit systems and management? What cultural impacts and exchanges arose from the population shifts facilitated by the subway? And how did the subway transform from a basic transportation service to an enduring symbol of New York’s identity?
**Nostalgic Train Rides to Explore Hidden Treasures**
As the anniversary on October 27 approaches, celebrations will peak. The Transit Museum will host nostalgic rides featuring the historic 1917 Lo-V subway cars, taking passengers along main subway lines through Manhattan and the Bronx. There will be four rides in total: two on October 27 (Sunday) and two on November 16 (Saturday), both offering journeys at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM each day.
The trip will commence from the old South Ferry station, a notable site that has been part of the subway since 1905. Known for its “light bulb line” design, this station operated until 2009, briefly reopening after Hurricane Sandy in 2012, before its final closure in 2017.
From South Ferry, the nostalgic train will make its way north along subway lines 1, 2, and 3, before pivoting south on lines 4, 5, and 6, passing through Manhattan to the fascinating City Hall station.
Originally the subway’s terminal when it opened in 1904 and situated beneath what is now City Hall Park, the City Hall station boasts a stunning curved platform, soaring ceilings with skylights, colorful tiles, and classic chandeliers. Closed in 1945 due to low ridership and construction restrictions, it has remained inaccessible to the public since then, although its tracks are still used by the current 6 train for non-stop turnaround trips. Such special train rides allow for a glimpse into this historic station that is rarely seen.
The New York Transit Museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM, with admission priced at $10 for adults, and $5 for children ages 2-17 and seniors over 62. Tickets for the nostalgic train rides are $60 for adults and $40 for children. During the rides, stations will be closed for entry except at the South Ferry pick-up and City Hall drop-off. Tickets can be reserved online at https://reurl.cc/NlnmAQ.