MTA Marks 75 Years of A Train Service
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.
The 1932 R1 cars were a little louder than some of today's, but you can't beat those cushy seats.
Ceiling fans (!) and open windows made for a surprisingly comfortable ride.
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
DOT Aims to Build First Ave. Tunnel Bike Lane Before September’s UN General Assembly
DOT hopes to have the concrete-protect tunnel bike lane installed this summer, but its exact plans are still in development.
Waste Reforms Could Require Data on Crashes, Dangerous Driving
The proposal affects at least one trucking company with a deadly driving record.
When it Comes to Federal Infrastructure Grants, Size Does Matter
Cities and municipalities with larger budgets and staff are more likely to win competitive federal infrastructure grants, the Urban Institute has found.
Tuesday’s Headlines: Real Estate Greed Against Good Bike Lane Design Edition
A real estate developer's opposition to the Ashland Place protected bike lane yields some baffling bike lane markings. Plus more news.
City Considers Fixes for Another Ridiculously Slow Cross-Bronx Bus
Potential bus improvements are on the table for the Bronx's Tremont Avenue, but the Adams administration's failures on nearby Fordham Road loom large.
