Vintage subway trains are returning to New York City this week

Some of the city’s oldest subway trains are ready to take new passengers. The Transit Museum’s Parade of Trains is heading to New York City with the opportunity to take a special trip. Four historic trains will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, and Sunday, September 18.

Riders will have a chance to travel back in time and learn about the transportation history. According to the MTA, vintage trains have no voice announcements, air conditioning, or bright fluorescent lighting. Once you step on board, you will be able to hold onto the straps and handrails and read advertisements from the past. 

Roundtrip shuttle rides will run from Brighton Beach station to Kings Highway and back. Each trip will take approximately 20 minutes, and the wait time for the next train will be no longer than 15 minutes. Admission is free with subway fare. 

“The New York Transit Museum is delighted to announce the return of the Parade of Trains! We are extremely fortunate to have some of the oldest rolling stock in the U.S. that still rolls and what better way to ensure that remains the case then to bring our beloved vintage fleet to the rails in Brighton Beach,” the museum said in the press release. 

“The Parade of Trains, one of our favorite events, is such a special opportunity for people from every generation to travel back in time by traveling on one of the museum trains, and all for a swipe of your MetroCard or an OMNY tap!”

Nostalgia Rides have returned to New York City this summer after the two-year break caused by the pandemic. The Transit Museum has been running this program since 1976, according to the Gothamist. In June, Nostalgia Rides launched again with three historic trips to Old South Ferry Loop, Coney Island, and Rockaway. 

Image credit:

MTA

Resources:

“ICYMI: Ride Vintage Trains at the New York Transit Museum's Parade of Trains at Brighton Beach,” (MTA, 2022)

“Travel back in time on vintage NYC subway trains this month,” by Aaron Ginsburg (6sqft, 2022)

“The Transit Museum's Nostalgia Trains will ride again after a two-year hiatus,” by Ben Yakas (Gothamist, 2022)

“Ride a Vintage NYC Subway Train to the Beach This Summer,” by Chris Mench (thrillist, 2022)