On October 27, 1904, the New York City subway made its debut when the first train left City Hall Station, marking the beginning of what would become one of the world’s largest public transit systems.
That inaugural trip took New Yorkers from the ornate City Hall station to 145th Street in Harlem, with then-Mayor George McClellan famously driving the train part of the way. Now, 120 years later, the subway remains integral to city life, connecting boroughs, neighborhoods, and millions of passengers daily.
As the subway commemorates this milestone, many New Yorkers reflect on the transit system’s essential role in their lives. On a recent C train ride from Brooklyn to Manhattan, riders shared stories of life shaped by the subway. For many, like Devin Fagan from Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, the subway has been a source of independence since childhood, providing the freedom to navigate the city on his own. Other riders highlighted the challenges, with some pointing to growing concerns about cleanliness and safety while expressing their ongoing appreciation for the subway’s unique role in New York’s social fabric.
Despite significant infrastructure needs and budgetary challenges, including the postponement of a $15 billion funding boost due to a hold on congestion pricing, the subway continues to evolve. Though the chandeliers and original aesthetics of the 1904 station may be gone, New Yorkers maintain a connection to the subway’s character and charm, often making lifelong memories along its tracks. For rider Maria Wilber, the subway has been a silent witness to major life moments, from meeting her spouse to crossing paths with notable figures.
With input from the New York Times.
