Nearly a century after their debut, New York’s iconic 1930s R1-9 subway cars are back on the tracks. Thanks to a collaboration with the Transit Museum, residents relive history, dressing up and savoring this nostalgic, time-travel-like subway experience.
In a unique tribute to New York’s rich transit history, vintage subway cars from the 1930s have returned for a limited time. These R1-9 railcars invite passengers to experience the past firsthand, blending nostalgia with New York’s timeless energy.
Nearly a century after the New York subway introduced its iconic R1-9 fleet, the agency has brought some railcars back into service—and city residents are eagerly jumping on board.
The Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA), which operates the Big Apple's sprawling and often criticized subway system, has reintroduced R1-9s onto the tracks for a limited time. These vintage trains include early 20th-century details that offer an immersive look into the past.
In one car, a 1960s-style advertisement pays homage to “the late president,” featuring a black-and-white photo of John F. Kennedy.
This blast from the past—made possible by a collaboration between the MTA and the Transit Museum—has sparked excitement among New Yorkers. Many passengers even dress in period-appropriate clothing, creating a whimsical blend of vintage style and modern-day commuters.
On a cold December Sunday morning, travelers in historical costumes share the train with others in contemporary attire, producing a delightfully anachronistic scene. Latoya Fulton, a 40-year-old Bronx native who brought her daughter along, savors the nostalgia.
"I remember riding the train with my mom, going to Yankee Stadium," she told AFP. "I remember just being happy, looking out the window when we went outside for the stops."
Paddle ceiling fans whirl overhead, while incandescent light bulbs illuminate the cars, creating a theatrical and timeless atmosphere. Without modern public address systems, a volunteer crew member calls out approaching stops, further enhancing the old-world charm.
A Test of Time
Rider Fox Hutson, dressed in a military cap and camouflage jumpsuit, embodies the spirit of the experience, as though he were a soldier returning from war.
"The past is going away, but this is the only way to preserve it and see some nice people," said the 53-year-old photographer. "It's a test of time, and these trains still work."
The R1-9 train cars, first introduced in the 1930s, remained widespread for decades but were officially retired in 1977. Despite this, they continue to serve as a touchstone of U.S. history, inspiring artists like jazz legend Duke Ellington with his famous song Take the A Train.
"This was the first mass transit that grew the city," explained Todd Glickman, a Transit Museum volunteer.
"In the early 1900s, people had to live very close to where they worked or studied," he added. "With the advent of the subway system in 1904, people could travel much farther in a short amount of time. That’s what drove the city’s growth."
This rare opportunity to ride a piece of New York’s history has allowed passengers to reconnect with a bygone era, proving that while time may pass, some experiences remain timeless.
With AFP
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