Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
MTA Celebrates 100 Years Of The Brooklyn Subway With Nostalgia Trains
By
Evan Siegel
Published Jun 23, 2015
Modified Jun 23, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Photo by Evan Siegel/Gothamist
View all 7
By
Evan Siegel
Published Jun 23, 2015
Modified Jun 23, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
On Monday, the MTA commemorated a century of Brooklyn-based transport in style, resurrecting a vintage train that was used from 1927 to 1965 and gifting the press with a ride. Reporters, however, are not the only ones who will get a chance to experience the nostalgia trains (complete with wicker seats, vintage ads, and incandescent light bulbs): they will be put into regular service this weekend from noon to 4 p.m., beginning at the Brighton Beach Q station.
On June 22nd, 1915, New York’s then second subway agency, the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company (later called the Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit Corporation), debuted service from Manhattan to Coney Island via the Manhattan Bridge. Sold to the city in 1940, the line introduced numerous mechanical advances and is hailed by the MTA as “an integral tool in the development of New York City”. Today, the BMT lines live on as the B, JMZ, L, and NRQ and Franklin Shuttle.
MTA chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast was quick to emphasize the importance of the Authority’s currently underfunded five-year capital program, which aims to advance the system technologically and keep it both “vital and reliable."
“The BMT network has never been more important to the growth and life of New York”, he said, “that’s why we need to advocate for the funds to support our capital program with state and federal legislators, so that 100 years from now, New Yorkers will be here celebrating the BMT’s 200th anniversary”. Despite recent fare hikes, those who have experienced the subway’s increased delays know that the system, which supports an average ridership of 5.8 million, can use the help.
For more information on the BMT's centennial and nostalgia rides, see the MTA's website.
Tagged
bmt
nostalgia trains
subway
original
Evan Siegel
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain
Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 23, 2026 at 6:00 a.m. ET
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
Arts & Entertainment
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings
By
Hannah Frishberg
A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history
By
Sonia Rao
The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .