Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
070910 065_1.jpg

As previewed in today's New York Times, the MTA this morning held a ceremony commemorating the 75th birthday of the A line, originally known as the IND 8 Ave, which made its first run on September 10, 1932.

After a two-man jazz combo played Billy Strayhorn's "Take the A Train" for the media types clustered at Inwood's 207th Street Station, and MTA Director Lee Sander issued some brief remarks (which may have been of some consequence -- I admit to leaving my notepad at home, having made the two-block trip primarily to see the cool train), the fun began. Reporters and camera crews piled onto a shortened train consisting of vintage, fully operational cars for the trip south to Chambers St., marking the full length of the A line's original route, and picking up confused commuters along the way.

070910_089.jpg
The 1932 R1 cars were a little louder than some of today's, but you can't beat those cushy seats.

070910_084_2.jpg
Ceiling fans (!) and open windows made for a surprisingly comfortable ride.

070910_080.jpg
Lucky Inwoodites settle in for the trip.

Photos: Brad Aaron

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Likely Mayor Mamdani Supports Daylighting as DOT Digs In Heels

The next mayor will have to overcome a deeply entrenched bureaucracy opposed to the common-sense policy.

October 6, 2025

Under Pressure: Uber’s Navigation System Endangers the Public With Reckless Driving Directions

An Uber driver made an illegal u-turn and hit someone, but the in-app navigation told him to do it and the company won't give up the code.

October 6, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Trump Games Continue Edition

Trump restored some security grant for New York, but billions of dollars in grants remain on ice. Plus more news.

October 6, 2025

Friday Video: Meet the Subway’s Straphanger-Free Trains

We've all seen them. Now, thanks to YouTube's "Half as Interesting," we can tell you the purpose of each one.

October 3, 2025

The MTA Is Headed To The Lab To Design The Ridgewood Busway

A filthy private road underneath the elevated M tracks could become a gleaming bus-first corridor.

October 3, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Good News Edition

The Department of Transportation reports that traffic deaths are way down through the first three quarters of 2025. Plus other news.

October 3, 2025
See all posts