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
Friday’s Headlines: Canal Street Follies Edition
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine isn't happy. Plus other news.
Daylight Again: Bronx Community Board Backs Parking Ban at Intersections
The Boogie Down is down with daylighting!
Community Board Wants Protected Bike Lane on Empire Blvd.
Brooklyn Community Board 9 wants city to upgrade Empire Boulevard's frequently blocked bike lane, which serves as a gateway to Prospect Park.
The Brake: Why We Can’t End Violence on Transit With More Police
Are more cops the answer to violence against transit workers, or is it only driving societal tensions that make attacks more frequent?
Report: Road Violence Hits Record in First Quarter of 2024
Sixty people died in the first three months of the year, 50 percent more than the first quarter of 2018, which was the safest opening three months of any Vision Zero year.
