MTA Marks subway’s 120th Birthday with Nostalgic Train Rides
The subway system that has long been the lifeblood of New York City is celebrating a remarkable milestone. It was a time of gleaming history as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) journeyed into the past last week, marking the subway’s 120th birthday with two special vintage train rides.
Replicated Vintage Experience
The nostalgic rides took place on century-old Lo-V subway cars, offering passengers a chance to step back in time. Departing from the decommissioned Old South Ferry Station, the historic trains journeyed up the 1/2/3 line to the Bronx, providing a visual journey through history. The train carriages looped back through the Lexington Avenue 4/5/6 line, offering glimpses of the subway’s original Old City Hall Station and finally ending their historic route at the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station.
A Portal to Transit History
These rides were far more than merely a tourist attraction for transit fans and curious New Yorkers. The vintage train cars recreated the sounds and sights of the subway’s earliest days in 1917, offering an unparalleled opportunity to connect with New York’s transit history.
Celebrating 120 Years of Service
According to NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow, the subway system has indeed transformed New York City. In a statement, Crichlow underscored, "The subway system transformed New York City – 120 years and billions of rides prove it."
Twelve decades on from the subway’s very first ride at the old City Hall station, the MTA is already working toward ensuring that the subway continues to support New Yorkers for another 120 years and beyond. Despite modern advancements, nostalgia rides highlight the enduring appeal of the subway system and its pivotal role in New York City.
Special Exhibit and Future Rides
The anniversary event is just part of a larger commemoration of the subway’s important history. The New York Transit Museum recently unveiled a new exhibit titled “The Subway Is…,” where artifacts and stories trace the subway system’s transformative influence on New York’s culture and economy.
Repeated Opportunities to Rekindle Nostalgia
For those who missed the initial ride, there are additional opportunities to embrace this unique experience. On November 16, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the Lo-V cars will return to the tracks, offering a second chance for individuals to relive the historic subway rides.
Director’s Take on the Subway’s Impact
Director of the New York Transit Museum Concetta Bencivenga expressed the intricate link between New York’s heritage and its subway system. In a statement, she affirmed, “New York’s history and cultural identity are inextricably linked to our subway system."
Embracing the Experience
Nostalgia rides allow people to experience the subway as those first passengers did in 1904, providing a once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with New York’s past.
Explore and Appreciate the Subway
To fully appreciate the MTA’s efforts in commemorating the subway’s 120th birthday:
- Check the museum exhibit: Visit the New York Transit Museum to see “The Subway Is…” exhibit.
- Plan for upcoming rides: Mark your calendars for the vintage train rides on November 16.
- Share your experience: Post your favorite moments and history lessons on social media using #NYCSubway120.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be transported back in time and celebrate the enduring legacy of the subway system!