Historic subway cars feature early 20th-century decor and invite residents to enjoy a nostalgic ride.
Step back in time on the New York subway! Historic carriages are back in service, complete with vintage ads and a nostalgic atmosphere. Photo: AFPThe New York subway has returned some of its historic carriages to service – and city residents are jumping on board.
The Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA), which operates the Big Apple’s subway system, has reintroduced R1-9 train carriages to the tracks for a limited time. The carriages were widely used for decades after being introduced in the 1930s. The last of them were withdrawn from service by 1977.
The carriages even have early 20th-century decorations. In one, a 1960s-style advertisement pays tribute to “the late president” next to a black-and-white photo of former US president John F Kennedy.
The blast from the past was made possible through a collaboration between the MTA and the New York Transit Museum. It is being celebrated by New Yorkers, with some dressing up to match the part.
There is no public address system on the vintage trains. Instead, a volunteer crew member calls out the approaching stops.