Viewing NYC Articles Categorized Under Subway

[VIDEO] The Subway's Leftovers | NYC Subway Remnants and Provisions Part 1: Manhattan

2026-04-03T12:00:00-04:00

This fascinating video tour uncovers the hidden history of the New York City subway system by exploring a variety of remnants and provisions scattered throughout Manhattan. From the famous abandoned City Hall loop to lesser-known tunnel bellmouths, storage tracks, and closed station platforms, the footage provides a rare glimpse into infrastructure that was either part of the original subway design, built for expansion plans that never materialized, or decommissioned as the system modernized. By examining these architectural leftovers, viewers gain a deeper understanding of how the city transit network has evolved and the many secret spaces that still exist right beneath the feet of daily commuters. For those interested in learning more about the preservation of these historic sites, you can explore the New York Transit Museum to see how they keep the history of the subway alive.

The post [VIDEO] The Subway's Leftovers | NYC Subway Remnants and Provisions Part 1: Manhattan appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] Beyond Second Ave: A Grand Plan for Subway Expansion

2026-03-17T12:00:00-04:00

Ever wonder how to truly fix NYC subway congestion? This fascinating video from the Joint Transit Association proposes a radical deinterlining plan for the future Second Avenue Subway. Instead of just adding a new line, the presenter outlines a bold Phase 1 to fix current bottlenecks by rerouting trains through Queens and Brooklyn, followed by an ambitious Phase 2 that imagines massive infrastructure expansion, including a new tunnel to the Bronx and a Third Avenue Express line. It’s a thought-provoking look at how we can move beyond a 'glorified shuttle' and create a revolutionary transit network that serves commuters across all four boroughs.

The post [VIDEO] Beyond Second Ave: A Grand Plan for Subway Expansion appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] DeKalb Junction: The Delay Capital of the NYC Subway

2026-03-11T12:00:00-04:00

DeKalb Junction is widely considered the bottleneck of the Brooklyn subway system, creating massive delays as multiple train lines converge at grade. To fix this mess, the video proposes a de-interlining plan that swaps the B and N trains to simplify tracking, creates a new storage yard at 38th Street to allow the R train to run to Coney Island via the West End line, and builds a new flyover to turn around local trains without blocking express service. By rearranging how these trains operate, the proposal promises a significant capacity increase across the 4th Avenue, Brighton, West End, and Sea Beach lines, aiming to transform one of the city's worst transit chokepoints into a faster, more efficient commute for local riders.

The post [VIDEO] DeKalb Junction: The Delay Capital of the NYC Subway appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] The Worst Merge in the NYC Subway | Herald Square

2026-02-23T12:00:00-05:00

The Herald Square merge on the BMT Broadway line is considered one of the worst in the NYC subway system due to its inefficient "reverse branching" design. This design significantly limits the overall capacity of the line, causing frequent delays and lower train frequencies. While other junctions might be problematic, the Herald Square merge uniquely hinders capacity in the crucial city center. The merge's existence is attributed to the need to bring more trains to Queens, especially given capacity restrictions in lower Manhattan caused by ancient signal systems. However, with the upcoming implementation of modern signaling technology, there's a strong argument to be made for removing the Herald Square merge entirely, which would allow for more efficient train operations.

The post [WATCH] The Worst Merge in the NYC Subway | Herald Square appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] 4 Tracks on 1 Level: Why the NYC Subway is So Confusing

2026-02-14T12:00:00-05:00

This conversation explores the unique design of the New York City subway, focusing on the 1891 origin of today's complex service pattern, the decision-making process behind its one-level track system, and the implications of these choices on operational flexibility and user experience. Kyle M. Urban Kirschling ( / kylekirschling ) discusses the historical context of the subway's design, comparing it to other systems and highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of the chosen plan versus alternative proposals.

The post [WATCH] 4 Tracks on 1 Level: Why the NYC Subway is So Confusing appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] The Battle for New York City's Subway

2026-01-12T12:00:00-05:00

In this interesting video, Hoog explores unrealized plans for New York's subway system, from horse-drawn carriages to ambitious expansion projects. The video details decades of proposals, political battles, and technological advancements that shaped the city's transit. Discover the fascinating history behind the network's current form.

The post [VIDEO] The Battle for New York City's Subway appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] All The Non-Passenger Trains in the NYC Subway

2026-01-05T12:00:00-05:00

Explore the hidden world of NYC's subway system, beyond the daily commute. This video reveals specialized trains that maintain the tracks and infrastructure. Discover rail maintenance vehicles, from geometry cars to vacuum trains, and their vital roles.

The post [WATCH] All The Non-Passenger Trains in the NYC Subway appeared first on Viewing NYC

[WATCH] New York’s Lost Subway | The Secret Beneath Broadway

2025-11-24T12:00:00-05:00

Before New York built its legendary subway system, an inventor quietly constructed a different kind of underground transit—powered not by electricity, but by air. In 1870, Alfred Ely Beach opened the Beach Pneumatic Transit beneath Broadway, a functioning subway that silently whisked passengers through a sealed tunnel using air pressure. It was revolutionary, popular—and ultimately, shut down.

This episode dives into the forgotten story of America’s earliest subway experiment, built in secret under Manhattan at a time when the city’s streets were choked with chaos. We’ll explore how political corruption, especially from Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall, crushed the project—and how the remains were unearthed decades later during construction of the modern subway system.

Discover the bold innovation that came before its time—and what might still be buried beneath New York’s streets.

The post [WATCH] New York’s Lost Subway | The Secret Beneath Broadway appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] What's the Longest Trip You Can Make With a MetroCard?

2025-11-11T12:00:00-05:00

This video chronicles an ambitious journey undertaken by the hosts, Miles and Jeremy, to complete the longest possible trip on a single MetroCard. This extensive trip spans from Putnam County to Suffolk County, utilizing various public transport systems that still accept the MetroCard before its eventual phase-out. The entire trip, from their initial departure to reaching Patchogue, took approximately 8 hours and 14 minutes.

The post [VIDEO] What's the Longest Trip You Can Make With a MetroCard? appeared first on Viewing NYC

[VIDEO] Cool Time Lapse Video Shows a Trip on 7 Train From Subway Operator's Point of View

2025-11-05T12:00:00-05:00

Local transit historian and railfan Dj Hammers makes tons of great videos showing how subway transit works and runs in the City.

In this recent upload, DJ Hammers made a great time lapse video showing you a trip through the 7 train's route, as seen from the operators's point of view in the front of the train.

The 7 express line rapid transit service in the A Division of the New York City Subway provides express service along the full length of the IRT Flushing Line. It operates between Main Street in Flushing, Queens and 34th Street – Hudson Yards in Chelsea, Manhattan.

The post [VIDEO] Cool Time Lapse Video Shows a Trip on 7 Train From Subway Operator's Point of View appeared first on Viewing NYC