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All aboard, train enthusiasts and history buffs. This fall, the New York Transit Museum and MTA New York City Transit invite New Yorkers and visitors to go back in time and experience the city's history of transit with two unforgettable Nostalgia Rides on October 4 and November 8.
The New York Transit Museum is the largest museum in the United States devoted to urban public transportation history with dedication to preserving the subway cars that once carried millions of passengers through the five boroughs. Starting in October, the museum is giving New Yorkers the rare opportunity to ride in these vintage trains once again.
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On Saturday, October 4 you can take a historic ride uptown to Woodlawn Cemetery on their WWI-era IRT Lo-V (Low Voltage) subway cars. More than 1,600 of these train cars were built for New York's first subway line company, which featured safer electrical systems and durable steel construction. The cars also appeared in classic films like King Kong and The Incident. The trains were retired by 1969—and fewer than 10 survive today, with six preserved in the Transit Museum's fleet.
After the 60-90 minute ride on the IRT Lo-V, explore the Gilded Age Mausoleums and Monuments of Woodlawn Cemetery with a guided tour. Discover Woodlawn's art, architecture, stained glass and gravesites of some of the most famous jazz musicians, suffragists, civic leaders and business moguls who "reside" there. Keep an eye out for these secrets of Woodlawn while you're there. The Nostalgia Ride will depart from Old South Ferry Station at noon and return at approximately 5pm. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic lunch for the two-hour visit.
If you can't make the October date, no problem—on November 8, the New York Transit is pulling out R32 Brightliner cars for a round-trip run beginning and ending at the 96 St-Second Avenue station, including a turnaround through the East New York Yard. The stainless steel Brightliner cars became a familiar sight for generations of New Yorkers when they debuted in the 1960s on almost every lettered subway line. The Brightliners retired in 2022, but remain the longest operating subway cars in the world (58 years!) and are always a nostalgic crowd favorite.
See these historical trains up close and immerse yourself in the history of New York's public transit system. Sit on the original seats, grip old handholds and leather straps, read vintage advertisements and time travel to another era for a few hours.
Tickets for both rides are now available here. Admission is $60 for adults, $40 for children—and get $10 off if you're a Transit Museum member.