New York City Subway 285510 225482621 2008-07-13T22:45:05Z 84.142.118.194 /* External links */ {{Infobox Public transit | name = New York City Subway | image = MTASubwaylogo.png | imagesize = 200px | image2=NYC Subway R142 on the 4 R160A on the M.jpg | imagesize2=300px | locale = [[New York City]] | transit_type = [[Rapid transit]] | began_operation = ''first section of subway'': [[October 27]], [[1904]]<br> ''first elevated operation'': [[July 3]], [[1868]]<br> ''first railroad operation'': [[October 9]], [[1863]]<ref>The [[Interborough Rapid Transit Company|IRT]] main line, which is considered to be the first New York City "subway" line, opened in 1904; however, the Ninth Avenue Line, a predecessor elevated railroad line, operated its first trial run on July 3, 1868, according to ''Facts and Figures 1979-80'', published by the [[New York City Transit Authority]] [http://www.nycsubway.org/irt/9thave/ See also nycsubway.org], and the [[BMT West End Line|West End Line]] railroad opened in 1863. A small portion of the latter line's original right-of-way is still in daily use near [[Coney Island]].[http://thethirdrail.net/9909/westend1.htm]</ref> | system_length = 229 [[mile|mi]] (368 [[Kilometer|km]]) route length<br>656 [[mile|mi]] (1056 [[Kilometer|km]]) track length (revenue)<br>842 [[mile|mi]] (1355 [[Kilometer|km]]) track length (total) | lines = 26 | stations = 468 | ridership = 5,076,000 (avg. weekday, 2006, including [[Staten Island Railway]])<ref name="ffsubway">{{cite web |url=http://www.mta.info/nyct/facts/ffsubway.htm |title=MTA Subway Fast Facts |publisher=www.mta.info |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> | track_gauge = {{RailGauge|sg}} ([[standard gauge]]) | operator = [[New York City Transit Authority]] (NYCTA) }} [[Image:NYC Subway Times Square.jpg|thumb|right|[[Times Square–42nd Street (New York City Subway)|Times Square–42nd Street]] station entrance]] [[Image:Empty subway in NYC.jpg|thumb|A [[R142A (New York City Subway car)|R142A]] series car on the [[4 (New York City Subway service)|4]] service]] The '''New York City Subway''' is a [[rapid transit]] system owned by the [[City of New York]] and leased to the [[New York City Transit Authority]],<ref>Hood, Clifton. 722 Miles. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2004.</ref> a subsidiary agency of the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority (New York)|Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] and also known as ''MTA New York City Transit''. It is one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world, with 468 reported passenger stations,<ref name="ffsubway"/> (or 422 if stations connected by transfers are counted as one),<ref>Jeremy Olshan, [[New York Post]], [http://www.nypost.com/seven/08212006/news/regionalnews/lone_riders_of_the_rockaways_regionalnews_jeremy_olshan__transit_reporter.htm Lone Riders of the Rockaways], [[August 21]], [[2006]]</ref><ref>Annie Karni, [[New York Sun]], [http://www.nysun.com/article/47123 Surges in Ridership at Stations Reflect Neighborhood Dynamism], [[January 22]], [[2007]]</ref> {{convert|229|mi|km}} of routes,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.urbanrail.net/am/nyrk/new-york.htm |title=New York City Subway & Path |publisher=www.urbanrail.net |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> translating into 656 [[mile]]s (1056 km) of revenue track, and a total of 842 miles (1355 km) including non-revenue trackage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.osc.state.ny.us/osdc/rpt700/rpt700.htm |author=New York State Comptroller |title=A Guide for Evaluating the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Proposed Capital Program for 2000 Through 2004 |publisher=www.osc.state.ny.us |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> The subway is also notable for being among the few rapid transit systems in the world to run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.<ref name=twentyfour>{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/20/nyregion/nyregionspecial3/20security.html?_r=1&oref=slogin |title=With Terrorism Concerns in Mind, Police Prepare to Guard a Shuttered System |work=New York Times |date=December 20, 2005 |publisher=www.nytimes.com |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> It is the only system to hold that distinction among the ten busiest systems in the world in terms of annual passenger traffic. The system itself has more annual boardings than those in cities such as [[London underground|London]], [[Paris Metro|Paris]], and [[Mexico City Metro|Mexico City]].<ref>[[Metro systems by annual passenger rides]]</ref> It has nearly twice as many daily riders as every other rapid transit system in the [[United States]] combined. Though it is known as "the subway", implying underground operations, about 40% of the system runs on above-ground right-of-way (the system is almost entirely underground in [[Manhattan]], as well as portions in the other boroughs), including steel or [[cast iron]] [[elevated railroad|elevated structures]], concrete [[viaduct]]s, embankments, open cuts and surface routes. All of these construction methods are completely [[grade-separated]] from road and pedestrian crossings, and most crossings of two subway tracks are grade-separated with [[flying junction]]s. Currently, the first phase of the [[Second Avenue Subway]] in the [[Upper East Side of Manhattan]] is being built to provide relief to the overcrowded [[IRT Lexington Avenue Line]]. == Overview == [[Image:South ferry.jpg|thumb|right|[[South Ferry (New York City Subway)|South Ferry]] station and a {{NYCS service|9}} train. (Route number later discontinued in May 2005.)]] [[Image:Subway elevated2.jpg|thumb|[[125th Street (IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line)|125th Street]] station on the [[IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line]]]] Subway stations are located throughout [[Manhattan]], [[Brooklyn]], [[Queens]], and [[the Bronx]]. All services pass through Manhattan, except for the Brooklyn–Queens Crosstown Local ({{NYCS Crosstown}}), which connects Brooklyn and Queens directly without entering Manhattan; the [[Franklin Avenue Shuttle]]; and the [[Rockaway Park Shuttle]]. Although four of the subway system's stations close late at night and/or on weekends, the New York City subway is among the few rapid transit systems in the world that operate 24 hours a day, along with [[Port Authority Trans-Hudson|PATH]] (connecting [[New Jersey]] with Manhattan) and [[Port Authority Transit Corporation|PATCO]] (linking [[Philadelphia]] with southern New Jersey). (Two individual lines of the [[Chicago 'L']] also run at all times.)<ref name=twentyfour>{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/20/nyregion/nyregionspecial3/20security.html?_r=1&oref=slogin |title=With Terrorism Concerns in Mind, Police Prepare to Guard a Shuttered System |work=New York Times |date=December 20, 2005 |publisher=www.nytimes.com |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> In 2005, the New York City Subway hit a 50-year record in usage, with ridership of 1.45 billion.<ref>TRACK RECORD: 1.5B RODE SUBWAY" by Pete Donohue, New York Daily News, February 11, 2006</ref> In the fourth quarter of 2007, average weekday ridership was 6,432,700 making it the highest figure since such numbers were first recorded in 1970.<ref>[http://www.apta.com/research/stats/ridership/riderep/documents/07q4hr.pdf American Public Transportation Association]</ref> The trend toward higher ridership has continued into 2008; MTA has released figures that subway use was up 6.8 percent for January and February as energy prices have encouraged riders to use mass transit over automobiles .<ref>{{cite news | last = Krauss | first = Clifford | title = Gas Prices Send Surge of Riders to Mass Transit | publisher = [[The New York Times]] | date = [[2008-05-10]] | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/10/business/10transit.html | accessdate =2008-05-10}}</ref> According to the [[United States Department of Energy]], energy expenditure on the New York City Subway rail service was 3492 [[British thermal unit|BTU]]/passenger mile (2289 kJ/passenger km) in 1995. This compares to 3702 [[British thermal unit|BTU]]/passenger mile (2427 kJ/passenger km) for automobile travel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/facts/favorites/fcvt_fotw67.html |title=Fact #67: BTU per Passenger Mile for U.S. Transit in 1995 |date=September 4, 1998 |publisher=www1.eere.energy.gov |work=US Department of Energy. EERE Information Center |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> One should note as well that the figure for automobiles is averaged over the entire United States. Driving a car in New York City is probably on the whole significantly less efficient, because of the high concentration of traffic lights and vehicular traffic.{{Fact|date=June 2008}} Many lines and stations have both express and local service. These lines have three or four tracks: normally, the outer two are used for local trains, and the inner one or two are used for express trains. Stations served by express trains are typically major transfer points or destinations. The [[BMT Jamaica Line]] uses [[skip-stop]] service on portions, in which two services operate over the line during rush hours, and minor stations are only served by one of the two. The [[IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line]] used skip-stop until [[May 27]], [[2005]]. == History == {{main|History of the New York City Subway}} [[Image:1906 IRT map south.gif|250px|thumb|upright|right|Map of the 1906 [[Interborough Rapid Transit Company|IRT]] system]] An underground transit system in New York City was first built by [[Alfred Ely Beach]] in 1869. His [[Beach Pneumatic Transit]] only extended 312 feet (95 m) under [[Broadway (New York City)|Broadway]] and exhibited his idea for a subway. The tunnel was never extended, although extensions had been planned to take the tunnel southward to [[The Battery]] and northwards towards the [[Harlem River]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nycsubway.org/articles/beach-1870-03-05.html |title="The Pneumatic Tunnel Under Broadway" (1870) |publisher=www.nycsubway.org |accessdate=2008-07-07 }} (extract from ''Scientific American'' March 5, 1870)</ref> It was demolished when the [[BMT Broadway Line]] was built in the 1910s. The first underground line of the subway opened on [[October 27]], [[1904]], almost 35 years after the opening of the first [[elevated railroad|elevated line]] in New York City, which became the [[IRT Ninth Avenue Line]]. The oldest structure still in use today opened in 1885 as part of the [[BMT Lexington Avenue Line|Lexington Avenue Line]], and is now part of the [[BMT Jamaica Line]] in [[Brooklyn]]. The oldest right-of-way, that of the [[BMT West End Line]], was in use in 1863 as a steam railroad called the [[Brooklyn, Bath and Coney Island Rail Road]]. The [[Staten Island Railway]], which opened in 1860, currently utilizes [[R44 (New York City Subway car)|R44]] subway cars, but it has no links to the rest of the system and is not usually considered part of the subway proper. By the time the first subway closed, the lines had been consolidated into two [[privately owned]] systems, [[Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company]] (BRT, later [[Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit Corporation]], BMT) and [[Interborough Rapid Transit Company]] (IRT). The city was closely involved: all lines built for the IRT and most other lines built or improved for the BRT after 1913 were built by the city and leased to the companies. The first line of the city-owned and operated [[Independent Subway System]] (IND) opened in 1932; this system was intended to compete with the private systems and allow some of the [[elevated railway]]s to be torn down, but was kept within the core of the City due to the low amount of startup capital provided to the [[Board Of Transportation]] by the state.<ref>Hood, Clifton. 722 Miles. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2004.</ref> This required it to be run 'at cost', necessitating fares up to double the five cent fare popular at the time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nycsubway.org/articles/historyindependentsubway.html |title=History of the Independent Subway |author=Mark S. Feinman |publisher=www.nycsubway.org |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> In 1940, the two private systems were bought by the city; some elevated lines closed immediately, and others closed soon after. Integration was slow, but several connections were built between the [[Independent Subway System|IND]] and [[Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit Corporation|BMT]], and they now operate as one division called the [[B Division (New York City Subway)|B Division]]. Since the [[Interborough Rapid Transit Company|IRT]] tunnel segments and stations are too narrow to accommodate B Division cars, as well as curves too sharp for B Division cars, the IRT remains its own division, [[A Division (New York City Subway)|A Division]]. [[C Division (New York City Subway)|C Division]] consists of non-revenue maintenance cars, built to [[Interborough Rapid Transit Company|IRT]] specs in order to provide maintenance to all of the subway system.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} The [[New York City Transit Authority]] was created in 1953 to take over subway, bus, and streetcar operations from the city, and was placed under control of the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority (New York)|Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] in 1968. In 1934, the [[Brooklyn Rapid Transit|BRT]]</pre>, [[Interborough Rapid Transit Company|IRT]], and [[Independent Subway System|IND]] transit workers unionized into Local 100 of the Transport Workers Union. Since then, there have been three union strikes. In 1966, [[1966 New York City transit strike|transit workers went on strike]] for 12 days, and [[1980 New York City transit strike|again in 1980]] for 11 days. On [[December 20]], [[2005]], transit workers again [[2005 New York City transit strike|went on strike]] over disputes with MTA regarding salary, pensions, retirement age, and health insurance costs. That strike lasted just under three days. == Construction methods == When the IRT subway debuted in 1904, typical tunnel construction was the cut-and cover method. The street was torn up to dig the tunnel below, then the street was rebuilt above. This method worked well for digging soft dirt and gravel near the street surface. However, [[tunnel boring machine]]s were required for thicker sections made of bedrock, such as the [[Harlem River|Harlem]] and [[East River]] tunnels, which used cast-iron tube, and the segments between 33rd and 42nd streets under [[Park Avenue]], between 116th Street and 120th Street under Broadway, and between 157th Street and Fort George under Broadway and Eleventh Avenue, all of which used either rock or concrete-lined tunnels.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nycsubway.org/articles/irtbook_ch2.html |title=Types and Methods of Construction |work=IRT: The First Subway |publisher=www.nycsubway.org |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> == Lines and routes == {{main|New York City Subway nomenclature|List of New York City Subway lines}} [[Image:NYC subway map.png|250px|thumb|right|A 2004 map of the system]] Many rapid transit systems run relatively static routings, so that a train "line" is more or less synonymous with a train "route". In New York, routings change often as new connections are opened or service patterns change. The "line" describes the physical railroad line or series of lines that a train "route" uses on its way from one terminal to another. "Routes" (also called "services") are distinguished by a letter or a number. "Lines" have names. There are 26 train services in the subway system, including three short shuttles. Each route has a color, representing the Manhattan trunk line of the particular service and is labeled as local or express. A different color is assigned to the [[IND Crosstown Line|Crosstown Line]] ({{NYCS Crosstown}}) route, since it does not operate in Manhattan, and shuttles are all colored dark gray. Each service is also named after its Manhattan (or crosstown) trunk line. Though all but a few subway stations are served on a 24-hour basis, some of the designated routes do not run during the late night hours or use a different routing during those hours. In addition to these regularly scheduled changes, because there is no nightly shutdown for maintenance, tracks and stations must be maintained while the system is operating. In order to accommodate such work, services are sometimes re-routed during the overnight hours or on weekends. The current color system depicted on official subway maps was proposed by R. Raleigh D'Adamo, a lawyer who entered a contest sponsored by the Transit Authority in 1964. D'Adamo proposed replacing a map that used only three colors (representing the three operating entities of the subway network) with a map that used a different color for each line. D'Adamo's contest entry shared first place with two others and led the Transit Authority to adopt a multi-colored scheme. (D'Adamo subsequently earned a master's degree in transportation planning and engineering from [[Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute|Polytechnic University]] and worked for transit authorities, including a stint at the MTA, and was responsible for organizing and building what today is the Westchester County Bee-Line bus system.)<ref>Polytechnic University Cable 34:2 Winter 2007 p.7</ref> However, the lines are not referred to by color (e.g., Blue line or Green line), although the colors are often assigned through their groups ({{NYCS|A|A}}, {{NYCS|C|C}}, and {{NYCS|E|E}} are blue whereas the {{NYCS|4|4}}, {{NYCS|5|5}}, and {{NYCS|6|6}} are green). {| | [[A Division (New York City Subway)|A Division]] ([[Interborough Rapid Transit Company|IRT]]) consists of: {|class="wikitable"<noinclude> ! Route ! Line |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|1}} | {{NYCS|1|Broadway-Seventh Avenue Local}} |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|2}} | {{NYCS|2|Broadway-Seventh Avenue Express}} |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|3}} | {{NYCS|3|Broadway-Seventh Avenue Express}} |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|4}} | {{NYCS|4|Lexington Avenue Express}} |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|5}} | {{NYCS|5|Lexington Avenue Express}} |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|6}} {{NYCS-bull-small|6d}} | {{NYCS|6|Lexington Avenue Local/Express}} |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|7}} {{NYCS-bull-small|7d}} | {{NYCS|7|Flushing Local/Express}} |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|S}} | [[42nd Street Shuttle]] |} | [[B Division (New York City Subway)|B Division]] ([[Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit Corporation|BMT]]/[[Independent Subway System|IND]]) consists of: {| class="wikitable"<noinclude> ! Route ! Line ! Route ! Line |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|A}} | {{NYCS|A|Eighth Avenue Express}} ! {{NYCS-bull-small|M}} | {{NYCS|M|Nassau Street Local}} |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|B}} | {{NYCS|B|Sixth Avenue Express}} ! {{NYCS-bull-small|N}} | {{NYCS|N|Broadway Express}} |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|C}} | {{NYCS|C|Eighth Avenue Local}} ! {{NYCS-bull-small|Q}} | {{NYCS|Q|Broadway Express}} |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|D}} | {{NYCS|D|Sixth Avenue Express}} ! {{NYCS-bull-small|R}} | {{NYCS|R|Broadway Local}} |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|E}} | {{NYCS|E|Eighth Avenue Local}} ! {{NYCS-bull-small|S}} | [[Franklin Avenue Shuttle]] |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|F}} | {{NYCS|F|Sixth Avenue Local}} ! {{NYCS-bull-small|S}} | [[Rockaway Park Shuttle]] |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|G}} | {{NYCS|G|Crosstown Local}} ! {{NYCS-bull-small|V}} | {{NYCS|V|Sixth Avenue Local}} |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|J}} | {{NYCS|J/Z|Nassau Street Express}} ! {{NYCS-bull-small|W}} | {{NYCS|W|Broadway Local}} |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|L}} | {{NYCS|L|Canarsie Local|}} ! {{NYCS-bull-small|Z}} | {{NYCS|J/Z|Nassau Street Express}} |} |} Projected B Division service: {| class="wikitable" ! Route ! Line |- ! {{NYCS-bull-small|T}} | [[Second Avenue Subway]] (under construction as of 2008; will not be used until the line opens south of 72nd Street) |} C Division consists of non-revenue operations, including track maintenance and yard operations.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} == Stations facilities and amenities == [[Image:Mta station wall.jpg|thumb|upright|Entrance to [[Broad Street (BMT Nassau Street Line)|Broad Street]] station with its red lamps]] [[Image:Jacksonhts Subway.jpg|thumb|right|An entrance to the elevated [[IRT Flushing Line]] in [[Jackson Heights]], [[Queens]]]] [[Image:59th Street–Columbus Circle (New York City Subway) by David Shankbone.jpg|thumb|right|The station at [[59th Street–Columbus Circle (New York City Subway)|59th Street–Columbus Circle]]]] [[Image:7train arriving.ogg|thumb|7 train arriving at Vernon Blvd. and Jackson Ave. station (43s)]] === General === ==== Station and concourse ==== A typical subway station has waiting platforms ranging from 500 to 600 feet (150 to 180 m) long to accommodate large numbers of people. Passengers enter a subway station through stairs towards station booths and vending machines to buy their fare, which is currently stored in a [[MetroCard (New York City)|MetroCard]]. After swiping the card at a turnstile, customers continue to the platforms. Some subway lines in the outer boroughs and northern [[Manhattan]] have elevated tracks with stations to which passengers climb up via stairs, [[escalator]], or [[elevator]]. ==== Globe Lamps ==== At the top of most of the system's subway stations sits a lamp post or two bearing a colored spherical lamp. Before the introduction of the MetroCard in 1994, these lights indicated the station's availability. A green lamp meant that the station was open and running 24 hours a day, a yellow lamp meant that it was open only during the day, while a red lamp meant that it was an exit only. The yellow lamp was eventually phased out, being replaced by red lamps. Today, this color system means: Green=24 hour entrance, Red = non 24-hour entrance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=980DE2DF113AF930A2575BC0A9649C8B63 |title=Tunnel Vision; The Light at the Top of the Subway Stairs |date=August 13, 2002 |work=New York Times |publisher=query.nytimes.com |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> ==== Platforms ==== Due to the large number of transit lines, one platform or set of platforms often serves more than one service (unlike other rapid transit systems, including the [[Paris Metro]]). A passenger needs to look at the signs hung at the platform entrance steps and over each track to see which trains stop there and when, and at the arriving train to see which train it is. There are a number of platform configurations possible. On a 2-track line, a station may have one [[island platform|center platform]] used for trains in both directions, or 2 [[side platforms]], one for a train each direction. For a 3-track or 4-track line, local stops will have side platforms and the middle one or two tracks will not stop at the station. For most 3- or 4-track express stops, there will be two island platforms, one for the local and express in one direction, and another for the local and express in the other direction. In a 3-track configuration, the center track can be used toward the center of the city in the morning and away from the center in the evening, though not every 3-track line has that express service. In a few cases, a 4-track station has an island platform for the center express tracks and two side platforms for the outside local tracks. This occurs only at three stations near major railway stations where the next station along the line is also an express station with the more common platform configuration. The purpose of splitting the platforms is to prevent through riders from adding to the station's crowding by transferring from local to express or from express to local. This occurs at [[Atlantic Avenue–Pacific Street (New York City Subway)|Atlantic Avenue]] on the [[IRT Eastern Parkway Line|2/3/4/5]] Lines with adjacent express station [[Nevins Street (IRT Eastern Parkway Line)|Nevins Street]], and 34th St.-Penn Station on both the [[34th Street–Penn Station (IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line)|1/2/3]] Lines and [[34th Street-Penn Station (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|A/C/E]] Lines, with adjacent express stations at 42nd Street. This does not occur at [[Grand Central–42nd Street (IRT Lexington Avenue Line)|Grand Central]] on the [[IRT Lexington Avenue Line|4/5/6]] Lines, which has no adjacent express station. Almost everywhere expresses run, they run on the inner one (of 3) or two (of 4) tracks, and locals run on the outer two tracks. There is one notable 6-track station, [[DeKalb Avenue (BMT Fourth Avenue Line)|DeKalb Avenue]], where trains to or from the [[Manhattan Bridge]] either stop at the outer tracks of one of the island platforms ("local tracks"), or pass through the station on the middle tracks ("super express tracks"). Trains to or from the [[Montague Street Tunnel]] stop across the platform from the respective outer track ("express tracks"). === Artwork === Many stations are decorated with intricate ceramic tile work, some of it dating back to 1904 when the subway first opened for business. The [[subway tile artwork]] tradition continues today. The [[Arts for Transit]] program oversees art in the subway system. Permanent installations, such as [[sculpture]], [[mosaic]]s, and [[mural]]s; [[photograph]]s displayed in lightboxes, and [[music]]ians performing in stations encourage people to use mass transit. In addition, commissioned [[poster]]s are displayed in stations and "art cards", some displaying poetry, are in many of the trains themselves in unused [[Advertising|advertisement]] fixture slots. Some of the art is by internationally-known artists such as [[David Hockney]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mta.info/mta/aft/ |title=Arts for Transit: The Official Subway and Rail Art Guide |work=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |publisher=www.mta.info |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> === Accessibility === Most stations are not [[handicapped accessible]]. The exceptions are newly constructed or extensively renovated stations called "key stations", as required by the [[Americans with Disabilities Act|ADA]]. ''See [[New York City Subway accessibility]] for more details.'' === Entertainment === Since 1987, MTA has sponsored the '''[[Music Under New York]]''' program in which street musicians enter a competitive contest to be be assigned the preferred high traffic locations, example - 42nd Street station. Each year applications are reviewed and approximately 70 eligible performers are selected and contacted to participate in live auditions, held for one day. At present, more than 100 soloists and groups participate in MUNY providing over 150 weekly performances at 25 locations throughout the transit system Link to current roster: [http://www.mta.info/mta/aft/muny/bios_samples.html] Link to current locations: [http://www.mta.info/mta/aft/muny/locations.html] Any performer may use the Subway terminals and platforms to perform under the First Amendment Right of Free Speech, although not necessarily in the preferred high traffic locations. === Restrooms === Restrooms are rare in the subway system. Most establishments built in the past have since been closed to the public and have been converted to storage spaces or for employee use only. However, there are a few major stations that have operating restrooms, including on the concourse of the [[42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal]] station, [[Chambers Street (BMT Nassau Street Line)|Chambers Street]], and [[Lexington Avenue/59th Street (New York City Subway)|Lexington Avenue/59th Street]] in Manhattan. Restrooms also exist in Brooklyn at [[Atlantic Avenue–Pacific Street (New York City Subway)|Atlantic Avenue–Pacific Street]], [[DeKalb Avenue (BMT Fourth Avenue Line)|DeKalb Avenue]], [[36th Street (BMT Fourth Avenue Line)|36th Street]] and [[Kings Highway (BMT Brighton Line)|Kings Highway]]. In Queens, you can find them at [[Jamaica–179th Street (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|Jamaica–179th Street]], [[Jamaica Center–Parsons/Archer (New York City Subway)|Jamaica Center–Parsons/Archer]], [[Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street (New York City Subway)|Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street]], and [[Flushing–Main Street (IRT Flushing Line)|Flushing–Main Street]]. <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rapidtransitchallenge.com/finish.htm |title=Rapid Transit Challenge-restroom locations|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref> === Retail === [[Newsagent|Newspaper stands]] are occasionally found on some platforms, selling all manner of items including [[newspaper]]s and [[food]]. The MTA has also been installing retail spaces within paid areas in selected stations, including Times Square and at [[42nd Street–Bryant Park (IND Sixth Avenue Line)|42nd St.-Bryant Park]], on the concourse of the B, D, F, and V lines. === Connections === Connections are available at designated stations to [[Amtrak]], [[Long Island Rail Road]], [[AirTrain JFK]], [[Metro-North Railroad]], [[New Jersey Transit]] and [[Port Authority Trans-Hudson|PATH]]. == Car types and details == [[Image:R142 Sign.jpg|thumb|right|A digital sign on the side of an [[R142 (New York City Subway car)|R142]] [[4 (New York City Subway service)|4]] train]] [[Image:NYC Vaktrak.jpg|thumb|A ''Vaktrak'' track vacuuming train]] [[Image:NYC N train cockpit.jpg|thumb|Driver's cab of a [[R160B (New York City Subway car)|R160B]] series car on the [[N (New York City Subway service)|N]] service]] The NYC subway uses two sizes of cars - the A division, listed above, uses narrower cars that have three sets of doors on each side, used in consists of up to 11; the B division, listed above, uses wider cars that have four sets of doors on each side, in consists of up to 10. Trains are marked by the service label in either black or white (for appropriate contrast) on a field in the color of its mainline. The field is enclosed in a circle for most services, or a diamond for special services, such as rush-hour only expresses on a route that ordinarily runs local. [[Rollsign]]s and digital side signs also typically include the service names and terminals. These newer cars also feature recorded announcements for door closings, stations, and other general messages in lieu of conductor announcements, although live conductor announcements can still be made. The recordings began in the late 1990s and featured [[Bloomberg Radio]] on-air speakers, who volunteered at the request of their employer and future city mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]]. Voices include Jessica Gottesman (now at [[WINS (AM)|1010 WINS]] radio), Charlie Pellett, and Catherine Cowdery. With regards to why certain messages are voiced by males and others by females, MTA spokesperson Gene Sansone said in 2006 that, ''"Most of the orders are given by a male voice, while informational messages come from females. Even though this happened by accident, it is a lucky thing because a lot of psychologists agree that people are more receptive to orders from men and information from women"''.<ref>''[[AM New York]]'' (Sept. 25, 2006): "Voices Down Below", by Justin Rocket Silverman</ref> === Rolling stock === {{main|New York City Subway rolling stock}} The New York City subway has over 6,400 cars (as of 2002) on the roster.{{Fact|date=January 2008}} A typical New York City Subway train consists of 8 to 11 cars, although shuttles can have as few as two, and the train can range from 150 to 600 feet (46 to 183 m) long. The system maintains two separate fleets of cars, one for the [[Interborough Rapid Transit Company|IRT]] lines, another for the [[Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit Corporation|BMT]]/[[Independent Subway System|IND]] lines. All BMT/IND equipment is about 10 feet (~3.0 meters) wide and either 60 feet 6 inches (18.4 m) or 75 feet (~22.8 meters) long whereas IRT equipment is approximately 8 feet 9 inches (~2.67 m) wide and 51 feet 4 inches (~15.5 m) long. There is also a special fleet of BMT/IND cars that is used for operation in the [[New_York_City_Subway_nomenclature#BMT|BMT Eastern Division]], consisting of [[R42 (New York City Subway car)|R42]] married pairs, [[R143 (New York City Subway car)|R143]] 4-car sets and [[R160A (New York City Subway car)|R160A]] 4-car sets. {{convert|75|ft|m|sing=on}} long cars, like the [[R44 (New York City Subway car)|R44]], [[R46 (New York City Subway car)|R46]], [[R68 (New York City Subway car)|R68]] and [[R68A (New York City Subway car)|R68A]] are not permitted on BMT Eastern Division trackage. Cars purchased by the [[City of New York]] since the inception of the [[Independent Subway System|IND]] and for the other divisions beginning in 1948 are identified by the letter "R" followed by a number; e.g.: [[R32 (New York City Subway car)|R32]]. This number is the contract number under which the cars were purchased. Cars with nearby contract numbers (e.g.: [[R1 (New York City Subway car)|R1]] through [[R9 (New York City Subway car)|R9]], or [[R21 (New York City Subway car)|R21]] through [[R36 World's Fair (New York City Subway car)|R36 WF]], or [[R143 (New York City Subway car)|R143]] through [[R160B (New York City Subway car)|R160B]]) may be virtually identical, simply being purchased under different contracts. Subway car models begin with the letter "R" and are followed by the last 2 or 3 digits of the contract number under which they were purchased. The MTA has been incorporating newer subway cars into its stock in the past decade. Since 1999, the [[R142 (New York City Subway car)|R142]], [[R142A (New York City Subway car)|R142A]], [[R143 (New York City Subway car)|R143]], [[R160A (New York City Subway car)|R160A]], and [[R160B (New York City Subway car)|R160B]] have been added into service.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?59931 |title= R160A in service on N on [[January 19]], [[2007]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?59998 |title= R160B in service on N on [[February 23]], [[2007]]}}</ref> == Fares == [[Image:Nyc transit authority token.png|thumb|An NYCTA token from the mid-20th century]] [[Image:MetroCard.SVG|thumb|The current Metrocard design]] === Token and change === {{main|New York City transit fares}} From the inauguration of IRT subway services in 1904<ref>{{cite book |last=Cudahy |first=Brian |title=A Century of Subways: Celebrating 100 Years of New York's Underground Railways |isbn=0823222926 |year=2003 |publisher=Fordham University Press}}, p. 28</ref> until the unified system of 1948 (including predecessor BMT and IND subway services), the fare for a ride on the subway of any length was 5 cents. On July 1, 1948, the fare was increased to 10 cents, and since then has steadily risen. When the New York City Transit Authority was created in July 1953, the fare was raised to 15 cents and a token issued. Until April 13, 2003, riders paid the fare with tokens purchased from a station attendant. The tokens were changed periodically as prices changed. For the 75th anniversary of the subway in 1979 (also called the Diamond Jubilee), a special token with a small off-center diamond cutout and engraved images of a 1904 subway car and kiosk were issued. Many were purchased for keepsakes and were not used for rides. The last iteration of tokens featured a hole in the middle, and after they were phased out, many became featured in home made jewelry. Of course, many sought to circumvent the tokens in order to ride for free. A popular scam was to jam the token slot in an entrance gate with paper. A rider would innocently drop a token in, be frustrated when it did not open the gate, and have to spend another token to enter at another gate. The token thief would then race out from hiding, and suck the token from the jammed slot with their mouth. This could be repeated many times so long as no [[police officer]]s spotted the activity. Often token booth attendants would coat the token slots with soap to discourage "[[token sucking]]".<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9407E0DD1038F93BA35757C0A9659C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all "TUNNEL VISION; The Kiss of Desperation: A Disgusting Practice Vanishes With the Token"] by Randy Kennedy, ''The New York Times'', April 8, 2003</ref> There was some controversy in the early 1980s when enterprising transit riders discovered that tokens purchased for use in the [[Connecticut Turnpike]] toll booths were of the same size and weight as New York City subway tokens. Since they cost less than one third as much, they began showing up in subway collection boxes regularly.<ref>"CONNECTICUT HIGHWAY TOKEN BUYS SUBWAY RIDE, TOO", ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[November 18]], [[1982]], p.1</ref> Connecticut authorities initially agreed to change the size of their tokens,<ref>"CONNECTICUT TO ALTER ITS TURNPIKE TOKENS, SOLVING SUBWAY ISSUE", ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[December 15]], [[1982]], p.1</ref> but later reneged, and the problem went unsolved until 1985 when Connecticut discontinued the tolls on its turnpike.<ref name="token war">"17 1/2 ACCORD PUTS AND END TO THE GREAT TOKEN WAR", ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[November 7]], [[1985]],</ref> At that time, the MTA was paid 17.5 cents for each of more than two million tokens that had been collected during the three year "token war".<ref name="token war"/> === MetroCard === {{main|MetroCard (New York City)}} In 1994, the subway system introduced a fare system called the [[MetroCard (New York City)|MetroCard]], which allows riders to use cards that store the value equal to the amount paid to a station booth clerk or to a vending machine. The MetroCard was enhanced in 1997 to allow passengers to make free transfers between subways and buses within two hours; several MetroCard-only transfers between subways were also added. The token was phased out in 2003. The same year, the MTA raised the basic fare to $2 amid protests from passenger and advocacy groups such as the [[Straphangers Campaign]]. In 2008, the MTA increased the prices of unlimited MetroCards, but left the base fare at $2.00. == Future plans == === Operations === Pending [[legislation]] would merge the subway operations of MTA New York City Transit with [[Staten Island Railway]] to form a single entity called [[MTA Subways]]. The Staten Island Railway operates with [[R44 (New York City Subway car)|R44]] subway cars on a fully [[grade separation|grade-separated]] [[Right-of-way (railroad)|right-of-way]], but is typically not considered part of the subway, and is connected only via the free, city-operated [[Staten Island Ferry]]. In the early 21st century, plans resurfaced for a major expansion, the [[Second Avenue Subway]]. This line had been planned as early as the 1920s but has been delayed several times since. Construction was started in the 1970s, but discontinued due to the city's fiscal crisis. Some small portions remain intact in [[Chinatown, Manhattan|Chinatown]], the [[East Village, Manhattan|East Village]], and the [[Upper East Side]], but they are each quite short and thus remain unused.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nycsubway.org/articles/2ndave-builtfaq.html |title=Completed Portions of the 2nd Ave. Subway |publisher=www.nycsubway.org |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> === Stations === In August 2006, the MTA revealed that all future subway stations, including ones built for the [[Second Avenue Subway]], the [[7 Subway Extension|No. 7 line extension]], and the new South Ferry station, will have platforms outfitted with air-cooling systems. Also all underground stations would have cell-phone accessibility.{{Fact|date=August 2007}} === Technology === [[Image:L train sign.jpeg|thumb|right|New train arrival signs on the L train]] [[Image:NYC Subway RFID.jpg|thumb|upright|RFID trial on the [[IRT Lexington Avenue Line]]]] ;Train arrival times In 2003, the MTA signed a $160 million contract with [[Siemens AG|Siemens Transportation Systems]] to install digital next-train arrival message boards at 158 of its [[Interborough Rapid Transit Company|IRT]] (numbered line) stations. These signs were to be different from the current [[LED]] signs that are only capable of displaying the current date and time. However, many problems arose with the [[software]] used in Siemens programming, and the MTA stopped payment to the company in May 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=5&aid=63640 |title=Delay On Subway Message Boards, City Looks For New Contractors |date=October 20, 2006 |work=NY1 news |publisher=www.ny1.com |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> The MTA threatened to drop Siemens, but about a month later Siemens announced they had fixed the problem. The signs were scheduled to begin operation in late 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/01262007/news/regionalnews/about_time_for_mta_regionalnews_jeremy_olshan.htm |title=ABOUT TIME FOR MTA |date=January 26, 2007 |work=New York Post |publisher=www.nypost.com |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> A different system has been developed and installed successfully on the [[L (New York City Subway service)|L]] line and is currently under testing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/10202006/news/regionalnews/no_eta__firm_flubs_160m_subway_tech_regionalnews_jeremy_olshan__transit_reporter.htm |title=NO ETA: FIRM FLUBS $160M SUBWAY TECH |work=New York Post |date=October 20, 2006 |publisher=www.nypost.com |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> ;Paypass trial The MTA also signed a deal with [[Mastercard]] in the first few months of 2006 to test out a new [[Radio Frequency Identification|RFID]] card payment scheme.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/01/select-customers-to-trial-rfid-nyc-subway-pass/ |title=NYC Subway-Mastercard Trial |publisher=engadget.com |accessdate=2007-04-09 |date=[[2006-02-01]]}}</ref> Customers had to sign up at a special Mastercard website and had to use a Mastercard [[Mastercard#Paypass|Paypass]] credit or debit card/tag to participate. Participating stations included:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mastercard.com/us/paypass/subway/about/wheretotap.html |title=Mastercard Paypass NYC Subway Trial-Stations |publisher=Mastercard |accessdate=2007-04-09 |date=}}</ref> * [[IRT Lexington Avenue Line]] from [[138th Street–Grand Concourse (IRT Jerome Avenue Line)|138 St.]] in the Bronx, to [[Court Street–Borough Hall (New York City Subway)|Borough Hall]], Brooklyn, * [[23rd Street–Ely Avenue (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|23rd St.-Ely Avenue]] in Queens for the [[E (New York City Subway service)|E]] line, * and [[45th Road–Court House Square (IRT Flushing Line)|45th Road-Court House Square]] for the [[7 (New York City Subway service)|7]] line. Originally scheduled to end in December of 2006, the MTA extended the trial due to "overwhelming positive response".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mastercard.com/us/paypass/subway/faresoverview/autopayplan.html |title=Extension of Paypass Trial |publisher=Mastercard |accessdate=2007-04-09 |date=}}</ref> ;Automation In the mid-2000s, the MTA began a 20-year process of automating the subway. Beginning with the [[BMT Canarsie Line]] ({{NYCS Canarsie}}) and the [[IRT Flushing Line]] {{NYCS|7|7}},<ref>{{citation |last1=Arden |first1=Patrick |last2=Ventura |first2=Michael P. |title=Ready to roll on Second Ave <small>MTA’s chief engineer dishes the dirt on their new dig</small> |newspaper=NY Metro |pages=1/2 |year=2007 |date=04-12 |url=http://ny.metro.us/metro/local/article/Ready_to_roll_on_Second_Ave/7934.html}}</ref> the MTA has plans to eventually automate a much larger portion, using One Person Train Operation (OPTO) in conjunction with [[Communication-based train control|Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC)]]. [[Siemens AG|Siemens Transportation Systems]] is building the CBTC system. (A 1959 experiment in automating the [[42nd Street Shuttle]] in New York City ended with a fire at [[42nd Street–Grand Central (IRT 42nd Street Shuttle)|42nd Street–Grand Central]] on [[April 24]], [[1964]].) In late Winter of 2008, the MTA embarked on a 5 week renovation and upgrade project on the {{NYCS|7}} line between [[Flushing–Main Street (IRT Flushing Line)|Flushing–Main Street]] and [[Woodside–61st Street (IRT Flushing Line)|Woodside–61st Street]] to upgrade signaling and tracks for CBTC. On [[February 27]], [[2008]], the MTA issued an Accelerated Capital Program to continue funding the completion of CBTC for the 7 line and continue onto the Queens Boulevard Line. The proposed plan is estimated to cost US $1.4 million. <ref>{{cite web |title=2008-2013 MTA Capital Program Accelerated Program Presentation to the Board|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority (New York)]] |date=2008-02-27 |url=http://mta.info/mta/news/public/ppt/Accelerated%20Program%20Presentation%20for%20Boardjss2.ppt |format=PPT |accessdate=2008-02-28}}</ref><sup>(p.15-16)</sup> == Safety and security == === Photography === After the [[September 11, 2001 attacks|September 11th attacks]] in New York, the MTA was extremely wary of anyone taking photographs or recording video inside the system. The MTA proposed banning all photography and recording in a meeting around June 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.villagevoice.com/nyclife/0423,haber,54075,15.html |title=Forbidden Photos, Anyone? |author=Matt Haber |date=June 1st, 2004 |publisher=www.villagevoice.com |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> However, due to strong response from both the public and from civil rights groups, the rule of conduct was dropped. In November 2004, the MTA again put this rule up for approval, but was again denied.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gothamist.com/2004/11/30/threat_of_subway_photo_ban_riseth_again.php |title=Threat Of Subway Photo Ban Riseth Again |work=Gothamist |date=November 30, 2004 |publisher=gothamist.com |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> However, some police officers and transit workers still confronted people who were not authorized personnel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=5&aid=57334 |title=Some Police Still Enforcing Non-Existent Ban On Photography In The Subways |date=February 23, 2006 |work=NY1 news |publisher=www.ny1.com |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> Currently, the [http://mta.info/nyct/rules/rules.htm MTA Rules of Conduct], Restricted Areas and Activities section states that anyone may take pictures or record video, provided that they do not violate MTA regulations: :'''Section 1050.9 Restricted areas and activities.''' :''Photography, filming or video recording in any facility or conveyance is permitted except that ancillary equipment such as lights, reflectors or tripods may not be used. Members of the press holding valid identification issued by the New York City Police Department are hereby authorized to use necessary ancillary equipment. All photographic activity must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Part.''[http://mta.info/nyct/rules/rules.htm#restricted Full section] === Terrorism === On [[July 22]], [[2005]], in response to [[July 2005 London bombings|bombings in London]], the [[New York City Transit Police]] introduced a new policy of randomly searching passengers' bags as they approached turnstiles. The NYPD claimed that no form of [[racial profiling]] would be conducted when these searches actually took place. The NYPD has come under fire from some groups that claim purely random searches without any form of threat assessment would be ineffectual. "This NYPD bag search policy is unprecedented, unlawful and ineffective," said Donna Lieberman, Executive Director of the [[NYCLU]]. "It is essential that police be aggressive in maintaining security in public transportation. But our very real concerns about terrorism do not justify the NYPD subjecting millions of innocent people to suspicionless searches in a way that does not identify any person seeking to engage in terrorist activity and is unlikely to have any meaningful deterrent effect on terrorist activity."<ref>{{cite press release |title=NYCLU Sues New York City Over Subway Bag Search Policy |publisher=[[American Civil Liberties Union]] |date=[[2005-08-04]] |url=http://www.aclu.org/police/searchseizure/20054prs20050804.html |accessdate=2006-06-13}}</ref> On [[April 11]], [[2008]], MTA received a [[Ferrara Fire Apparatus]] [[Dangerous goods|Hazardous Materials]] Response Truck, which went into service on [[April 14]]. It will be used in the case of a [[chemical warfare|chemical]] or [[bioterrorism|bioterrorist]] attack.<ref>{{citenews|title=MTA NYC Transit Introduces New Hazmat Response Vehicle|date=2008-04-11|url=http://www.railpace.com/hotnews/|accessdate=2008-04-14}}</ref> === Passenger safety === {{Expand-section|date=June 2008}} Passenger accidents occur infrequently on the transit system.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} Platform gaps between the train and the platform typically range from 3-5 inches (7-13 centimeters). The maximum gap width on a straight platform is 6 inches (15 centimeters).<ref>{{citation |title=Pemberton v New York City Tr. Auth. |date=[[2003-04-23]] |url=http://www.nycourts.gov/reporter/slips/12761.htm |accessdate=[[2007-08-21]]}}</ref> Slips and falls have also declined.{{Fact|date=July 2007}} However, people do get minor injuries attempting to slip through the train doors as conductors are closing them.{{Fact|date=August 2007}} {{see also|New York City Transit Police}} == Criticisms == === Capacity constraints === [[Image:NYC subway riders with their newspapers.jpg|thumb|The interior of an {{NYCS service|F}} train during morning rush hour]] Several subway lines have reached their operational limits in terms of train frequency and passengers, according to data released by the Transit Authority. All but one of the "A" Division Lines, and the E and L lines are at capacity; crowding on the Lexington Avenue trains exceeds design limits.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/26/nyregion/26mta.html |title=Some Subways Found Packed Past Capacity |work=New York Times |date=June 26, 2007 |publisher=www.nytimes.com |accessdate=2008-07-07 }}</ref> Crowding on subway lines results in delays and if [[New York congestion pricing|congestion-based pricing]] for automobile travel to Manhattan is implemented, subway crowding is predicted to worsen. The [[Second Avenue Subway]] will begin to relieve pressure on the Lexington Avenue line when its first segment begins operating in 2013, but no such relief is planned for other crowded lines. Because new subway construction can require years to plan and complete, the Transit Authority can only turn to increased bus service to manage demand in the short run. === Subway flooding === Service on the subway system is occasionally disrupted by flooding from both major and minor rainstorms. Rainwater can disrupt signals underground and can require the electrified "third rail" to be shut off. Since 1992, $357 million has been used to improve 269 pump rooms. As of August 2007, $115 million has been earmarked to upgrade the remaining 18 pump rooms. The project is expected to be completed in 2010.<ref>{{citation |last=Donohue |first=Pete |title=Downpour swamps subways, stranding thousands of riders |newspaper=[[New York Daily News]] |year=2007 |date=[[2007-08-09]] |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/08/09/2007-08-09_its_transit_hell_from_heavens.html |accessdate=[[2007-08-23]]}}</ref> Despite these improvements, the transit system continues to experience flooding problems. [[Image:100 1888 edited.JPG|thumb|Rain from the drainage pipes comes into the subway car]] On [[August 8]], [[2007]], after slightly more than {{convert|3|in|mm}} of rain fell within an hour, the subway system flooded, causing every line to either be disabled or seriously disrupted that effectively halted the morning rush. (An incident of similar magnitude occurred in September 2004.) This was the third incident in 2007 in which rain disrupted service. The system was disrupted on this occasion because the pumps and drainage system can handle only a rainfall rate of {{convert|1.75|in|mm}} per hour; the incident's severity was aggravated by the scant warning as to the severity of the storm.<ref name="flood report">{{cite web |title=August 8, 2007 Storm Report |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority (New York)]] |date=[[2007-09-20]] |url=http://mta.info/mta/pdf/storm_report_2007.pdf |format=PDF |accessdate=2007-10-27}}</ref> <sup>(p.10)</sup> In late August 2007, MTA Engineer Phil Kollin announced new plans to create a system that would pump water away from the third rail. This new pumping system is scheduled to be in place by 2009. === Subway Map === The official [[map]]s of the New York Subway are based on a design by Michael Hertz Associates. The maps are relatively (though not entirely) geographically accurate, with the major exception of Staten Island, the size of which has been greatly reduced. This causes them to appear, in the eyes of some observers, as unnecessarily cluttered and unwieldy compared to the more traditional type of plan used for most [[urban rail and metro maps]]; a [[schematic]], or [[diagram]]. Part of the reason for the current incarnation is that earlier diagrams of NYC Subway (the first being produced in 1958), while perhaps being more aesthetically pleasing, had the public perception of being inaccurate. The most iconic design of New York Subway map by [[Massimo Vignelli]] which was published by the MTA between 1974-1979 and has since become recognised in design circles as a modern classic was deemed too difficult to use by the MTA, hence the current version. There are now several privately produced schematics which are available online. == Public relations == The MTA has had numerous events that promote increased ridership of their transit system. ;Ms. Subways From 1941 to 1976, the transit authority sponsored the "[[Miss Subways]]" publicity campaign. It was resurrected in 2004, for one year, as "Ms. Subways". Featuring young models, entertainers and others, the monthly campaign, which included the winners' photos and biographical blurbs on placards in subway cards, numbers actress [[Mona Freeman]], and prominent New York City restaurateur Ellen Goodman (born Ellen Hart). ;Subway series Subway series is a term attributed to any [[World Series]] contest between New York City teams, called thus as opposing teams can travel to compete merely by using the subway system. Subway series is a term long used in New York, going back to series between the [[Brooklyn Dodgers]] or [[San Francisco Giants|New York Giants]] and the [[New York Yankees]] in the 1940s and '50s. ;2012 Olympics bid {{seealso|New York City 2012 Olympic bid}} {{Expand-section|date=June 2008}} In cooperation with the City of New York, the MTA posted the NYC2012 logo on train cars in 2005 to garner support for the Olympic bid. == See also == * [[2005 New York City transit strike]] * [[commons:New York City Subway timeline|Graphical New York City Subway timeline]] * [[List of New York City Subway stations]] * [[List of rapid transit systems]] * [[List of United States rapid transit systems by ridership]] * [[New York City Subway in popular culture]] * [[Transportation in New York City]] * [[Metro systems by annual passenger rides]] == References == {{Reflist|2}} == External links == {{commonscat}} * [http://mta.info/nyct/subway/index.html MTA NYC Transit Subways] (official site with maps and schedules) * [http://metrocardcalculator.com ''MetroCard Calculator''] * [http://www.nysubway.info nysubway.info] (Direction Finder for NYC through the subway system) * [http://www.nycsubway.org/ www.nycsubway.org] (a thorough treatment of the current system and history, including historic and track maps) * [http://www.mta.info/nyct/facts/ffhist.htm MTA's own timeline of events] * [http://www.columbia.edu/~brennan/abandoned/ Abandoned Stations] (a thorough treatment of the history of the abandoned subway stations) * [http://www.onnyturf.com/subway/ OnNyTurf.com] (Google Maps hack of the subway system) * [http://www.nysubway.com/ www.nysubway.com] (Articles on getting to the airports, subway safety, online Metrocard Sales) * [http://www.nyctransitforums.com/ NYC Transit Forums] (A discussion forum on NYC transit and subways) * [http://mic-ro.com/metro/phototour.html?city=New+York Metro Bits] (Photos of NYC subway stations) {{Greater New York rail}} {{MTA (New York)}} {{NYCS navbox|show=yes}} {{USSubway}} [[Category:Busking venues]] [[Category:New York City Subway]] [[Category:Underground rapid transit systems]] [[Category:Rapid transit in the United States]] {{Link FA|fr}} [[simple:New York City Subway]] [[bg:Нюйоркско метро]] [[cs:Metro v New Yorku]] [[da:New York City Subway]] [[de:New York City Subway]] [[es:Metro de Nueva York]] [[eu:New Yorkeko metroa]] [[fa:متروی نیویورک]] [[fr:Métro de New York]] [[ko:뉴욕 시 지하철]] [[it:Metropolitana di New York]] [[ka:ნიუ-იორკის მეტრო]] [[nl:Metro van New York]] [[ja:ニューヨーク市地下鉄]] [[no:New York City Subway]] [[pl:Metro nowojorskie]] [[pt:Metrô de Nova Iorque]] [[ru:Метрополитен Нью-Йорка]] [[sk:Newyorské metro]] [[sr:Њујоршки метро]] [[sh:Njujorški metro]] [[fi:New Yorkin metro]] [[sv:New Yorks tunnelbana]] [[zh:紐約地鐵]]