I've never been to NY. I cannot wrap my brain around the complexity or sheer audacity of design of the subway system. Men lived their entire lives constructing this system so many years ago that is still so useful today.
@@regould221 Not entirely true, one third of it was built by the city company (IND) and all the cross company connections (Numbered to lettered/First half of the alphabet to second half) were built by the city company after it bought up the two private companies. It's also worth noting that the price of a fair was always regulated by the government to ensure that average New Yorkers could afford the system. There is significantly more historic government involvement in the subways than you think.
@Jim Allen not actually entirely true, first of all IND was city owned. Second of all, the 2nd Ave subway was a planned extension to BMT's (one of the private companies) services. It was delayed the first time because of WWII, and later because of recessions.
I was a brand new Conductor in 1979 and operated on the "A" and "AA" Trains. When I got promoted to Motorman in 1981 I operated also on the "A" and "AA" Trains. The "A" was my favorite line. When I got promoted to Train Dispatcher in 1984 I was assigned 207th St. station to dispatch the "A" Trains. Oh the fond memories of the job and co-workers of that time.
Less than 500 people to go on the list for Conductor until I'm called. I've been a subway geek since I was a little kid and I'm really excited to work my way up to Motorman.
The oldet and dimmer R1-9s were fine on the GG, but when we reached Hoyt-Schemerhorn, we'd change to the A Line., which boasted R10s. They didn't have thst old humming sound of the elder cars, but they did have a nice roar, speed , and florescent lighting. Used only on the A Line! ACF in Berwick, PA ...
That's because you are an URBANRAILER at heart! An urbanrailer is a person who loves trains but most particularly SUBWAYS and the whole urban transportation systems! The A line in particular was the joint especially when it got to Queens and headed to the Rockaways over Jamaica Bay. AT one time the people who lived out there had to pay a double fare; one to get on the train and when to get off when they got to Rockaway! When I was in high school back in the 60's I rode every line in the city after school including the Staten Island line! Sometimes I would get home real late and catch hell until I told my parents what I was doing! Back then, it was a much safer time so I never felt afraid! To quote Mr. Spock,it was FASCINATING!!
60 years ago I'd take the A train home to Rockaway Beach. Often I'd fall asleep on the train. Now I listen to the entire ride as white noise to help sleep. It puts my brain into a pre-cancer statious and feel no pain.
Although ur job is boring thanks for getting up 5 days a week to bring my behind to work, the doctor's office, my girlfriend house, to visit grandma, shopping, a night out, school, the supermarket. Damn, Y'all important. Thank u. 👏👏👏
Some of the unsung joys in life are seeing the lights of the train coming towards the station, feeling the wind on your face as the train decelerates by you standing on the platform, and smelling that unique smell of the NY MTA underground. I’ve visited NYC 25 to 30 times in my life and always wondered what the conductor saw. Now I know. Thank you for the video and your service to one of the great cities of the world.
The unique smell of Urine Feces decaying rats and bleach. Lovely. Today it's a homeless shelter thieves and mentally ill hangout. Nothing good left to say about these third world filthy dark tunnels and tracks cept their antiquated infrastructure shows the corruption and neglect of this quickly dying city Tell the truth.
I too have fond memories of riding the Double A and getting off at 155 St I would be going to visit my grandma and other relatives that lived near the "Polo Grounds". There were many times that we rode the Redbirds on the line to 155th on the IRT because we boarded at South Ferry, and lived on Staten Island.. New Brighton. Those were great times for me.
The A line is a remarkable feat of engineering, considering how old it is and how many component parts there are to the line. The portion from the northern terminal at 207th Street in Manhattan all the way to Utica Avenue in Brooklyn was designed and built in the 1920’s and opened for business in 1932. The station at Euclid Avenue was opened after the war, in 1948. The stations between Grant Avenue to the Lefferts Boulevard terminal were recaptured from the old BMT Fulton Street elevated line that closed in 1940. The portion between Rockaway Boulevard to Rockaway Part in the west and Far Rockaway in the east was bought from the LIRR in 1953 and opened for business as part of the A line in 1956. The A is the longest single line in the system - 32 route miles.
The tunnels around Grant/Euclid give me the creeps every time. Perfect setting for some Metro zombie apocalypse game ;) Then you come out the tunnel and the real life nightmare of living in the bad parts of Rockaway appears.
I love the sounds, and the calm somewhat quiet winds from that view. The near silent touch of the metals and grinding of the tracks and train. Blocks out the sound of everything else. Like a loading screen during a video game. The sounds are so peaceful I could fall asleep to this. Like a waterfall, but with metal.
I now reside in Spain, but I grew up in East New York. Rode this A train every morning to attend High School, then to my first job in Wall Street. In the summer, took it in the other direction on the weekends to the beaches in Far Rockaway. Times have changed, but I still remember the views!, Thank you, an American abroad!
I agree, she is amazing. Really seems to care about giving information to her passengers. That part of her job will be gone, once those cars are replaced with newer ones, all automated announcements.
The trains travel fast and the length of them is long; The tunnels looked dingy, and grubby though but that's okay, just until they stopped for passengers to get on and off looked nice and bright; Was a great relief to be outside under the sky, what a beautiful fine sunny day and site to see the bay and go over the bridge. They are long bridges. What an awesome ride!
Lived in New York City all my life this might have been some of the best Subway stop/departure announcing I have ever heard. Most of the time it's just the guy talkin down a microphone that sounds like it's coming out of a 1900s phone call while saying somethin like "42nd next." But after living here your whole life you kind of get used to it.
She seems to really enjoy her work, and is concerned about her passengers. One of the best conductor announcers I have heard. All of the newer subway cars are automating the announcements...
My first ride on the A train was in the summer of 1983. I was interested in seeing the Apollo Theater. It had bee out of the entertainment spotlight for some time and I wondered what happened to it. To my surprise, not only was it still there, but it was going to be renovated. On past visits, I was glad to see it still operating. It was big band leader Duke Ellington who gave his new addition to the band Billy Strayhorn the title for the song. He had the melody, but didn't have a name for it. The Duke said to look at the top of the directions I gave you: Take The A Train. Billy Strayhorn was born in my hometown, Pittsburgh, PA (1915-1967). P.S. : Like the female voice conductor. Loving the ride from the operator's view point! Thanks so much for sharing!
I love seeing the sights of New York without leaving my house! Thanks to UA-cam and the City of New York in making all of this and many more possible. Greetings from Scooby from near Chicago. 😃
I was born in NJ and lived in CT until I graduated high school (a hell of a long time ago). I love these videos so I can see places I can't get to any more.
I agree. When a person travels a lot of time is wasted getting to places without seeing or enjoying things. You have hassles,with luggage waiting in lines complaining about bad service.
I've been in love with Chicago but I've never been there! Made plans for this summer but covid19 put an end to that! I first Chicago on a TV show called "M Squad"! Ever since those days I've been fascinated with Chicago! Hope I get to see it in person when the 'all clear' is sounded and we can travel freely once again.
Just got back from NYC holiday. I appreciate the sub way trains and the work done every day every one to provide this service. Nothing in RSA to match this type of service. Nice to have a behind the scenes video.
Is it weird that listening to this helps me fall asleep? All I need now is the physical rumble and bumps the train cars make and I'll be out like a rock.
I rode the trains as a kid to school, work etc, now I'm older and no longer living in NYC, this is relaxing to me, to hear the sound of train... plus the front is the best view...
Wonderful memories. Thank you. My sister, God bless her soul used to be in a bowling league at the Americana Lanes, right by the White Castle restaurant that you can see as the train leaves the Rockaway Blvd station. I miss her so much. Seeing these things has choked me up..
Larry, is that you? I was a Conductor in 1967; then promoted to Motorman in 1968; then Motorman Instructor in1979. I operated all of the trains in the museum but the gate cars. The Q cars on the old Myrtle Line(It ran to Jay Street Brooklyn before being torn down from Broadway Junction to Jay Street} were the oldest and worst braking. The R32 trains were the ABSOLUTE BEST BRAKING AND OVERALL HANDLING. The R10 trains were the second best braking and handling
Brings back memories of when I grew up in NYC in the 80s. Used to take the subway to school from 181st to 207th. Weekends shopping with my mom and younger brother were a treat the farther we went downtown and even taking the PATH to New Jersey
Christian Diaz Same..I grew up both on long island and Queens then Manhattan and I never got bored on long train or subway rides. I'd always look out the window and imagine seeing something creepy going on in the dark on the tracks. (I had quite the crazy imagination as a kid) or I'd try and read all the graffiti lol. Miss late 80s and 90s NYC. I haven't been back or on the subway since 2010.
I've never been to NY or even the US. But I've always been lead to believe that the NY Subway in the 80s was practically a no go zone due to crime. I can't imagine then being a kid using the subway regularly to get to and from school. Was the "no go zone" thing a bit of an urban legend?
@@OldAussieAds - I used the BMT and IRT suvway lines to commute the HS and college in the 1950s and never had any worries, My wife who grew up elsewhere used the subway when she lived in Queens and worked in Manhattan for several years in the 1970s and felt well protected because there was a cop on every train.
I rode the " A' Train to High School everyday from 1961 to 1965 I got off at Lafayette Avenue to walk to Brooklyn Tech back when its enrollment was 6000 boys only. My daily ride took about an hour each way, and began on the Jamaica El at Woodhaven Blvd, then got off at East New York, took the escalator down underground and boarded the A train at Eastern Parkway, that took me to Lafayette Avenue. It was not an express train until it got into Manhattan after going under the East River tunnel. I did not stay on it that long. The A train went through the black neighborhoods of Bed-Sty in Brooklyn, and went the length of Manhattan Island all the way to Harlem. This video begins in northern Manhattan and heads south then over to Brooklyn after passing under the East River. In those days these trains had no air conditioning, just open windows to let the filth blow through the cars. In the morning they were sardine cans packed with the great unwashed. I worked after school as a bus boy in McCrory's Department Store (kinda like Woolworth's), and rode home around 10 PM, often the only white face in the cars, I never ever felt afraid or intimidated, I still don't. When you live in the city and grow up around all those people you never develop the kind of stupid prejudice the suburb dwellers do.
@Glenn Hoge Oh yeah. Also my late friend Mike Carlucci's Subterranean Records on Cornelia St. All the shops over east of there also from Bleecker Bobs, to 9-9, Revolution, Second Coming on Sullivan, Generation Records, and many others in those days. Even CBGBs had a small record store in the next door CBGBs gallery or bar space or whatever it was during the day in the later 80s. And of course Sounds, Kims, and Venus Records but that was all East Village.
This full ride through is dedicated to the memory of the R42 as of yesterday when it was retired. The last R42 subway cars rolled off yesterday on the A train, and it will be its final voyage.
My favorite parts of the A train were always the Central Park express stretch (the trains used to go like a bat out of hell through here decades ago) and outdoors in Rockaway. Very unique part of the system.
59th Street to 125th Street. I always loved that stretch as a kid myself... Best when riding the old R-1 through 10 cars with the windows open. ROARRRR. That's the stretch that Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington wrote "Take The A Train" about. "Take the 'a Train To Harlem." Growing up on the Lower East Side and riding the trains by myself since I was 10 years old.
@@MrExec3549 I just started going to school in Manhattan recently and I pass that stretch every day, it’s rlly cool to see and I didn’t even know it existed until a few months ago
Awesome video. Took me back to my childhood riding the subways in the front car to look out the window. And yes, thank you for the natural audio, priceless!
As a kid during the 40s, I'd walk across Inwood Park, get on Duke Ellington's "A Train" at 207th St., go down to 69th St., and transfer to the uptown D train, getting off at 161st and River St. and go to Yankee Stadium to see DiMaggio, the Scooter, Yogi and the boys play ball. This was as a 10yr old, and IT WAS SAFE!! How times have changed; my beloved NYC is no more!!
What a great video. I was a teenager again taking the "AA" to Rockaway Beach for summer fun where I remember standing at the front door of the first car and feeling the wind coming through the keyhole of the old subway cars as we went down the track, past Aqueduct Race Track, Howard Beach, Broad Channel... And it was fun to see that the Beach 98st Station still has "Playland" as part of its signage. We used to have a lot of fun there under the watchful eye of Jo Jo The Clown, Playland's logo. And thanks, too, for not putting any music or commentary over the video other than the station stop announcements. Terrific memories.
Why doesn't your transit agency (MTA) record these videos officially like the CTA did in Chicago (CTA...Ride the Rails)? Viewers would like to "ride" these trains from all over the world from the comfort of their homes. Just saying. Nice video too.
Ive always wanted to look from the train operator's view since i was younger... Id love to see ALL mass transit systems upload these videos, but then again, it could be a security issue...who knows?
From what I've heard it's a matter of security. I know our transit network (NFTA) doesn't allow it for that same reason, as no passenger equipment is allowed in the operator's boxes.
How could it be a security issue when there are hundreds of airplane videos showing airliners being operated from the pilot point of view? If there's anything that has a security concern it would be an airliner. A more reasonable explanation is that it is an extra expense that has absolutely no benefit to MTA.
Wow! What a fantastic ride. The longest part was the underground section which was cool in itself. The best part however was the ride with water on both sides.
DJ you've outdone urself with these motoman videos this feels just like when I used to railfan as a kid on this line I'd always wait for a Far Rock R38 so I could either look out the front window like this or ride between the cars. Because I loved all the sound effects echoing off the tunnel walls
one thing I hate about the newer cars, now you can't see out of the window in the front car for a view like this. As child this was always thrill and with few cars left that allow this viewpoint, one can still see kids today as well adults enjoying the front view
That part when the train running to broad channel is amazing, I saw it on google map and have always been wondering how would it be when the train is running on there, now I can see it through my eyes just by holding my phone! Thank you so much for uploading this!
Wish they did this in the late 70s, I had to always change from a nice R-46 to the damn R-10 CC shuttle at Broad Channel to Rockaway Park to get to Beach Channel High School at 98th St Playland. Took me 1hr 40min everyday to go there from 116th and B'way. This train going straight to Rockaway Park would've saved me some serious time.
Mobile, Alabama here my sister used to stay in elmhurst queens and I had to learn how to use the subways. I’m from bama the south everything about New York amazed me especially the New York accents. Not to mention the breakfast sandwiches at the bodegas were so good
The Bronx, Ghetto? What? Especially where the 1 line goes to, what? Some places in the Bronx are more risky (mostly south bronx) but this is just late at night, and it’s not like south bronx is anything really interesting, The 1 Line goes to Riverdale and it’s like the best neighborhood in the bronx, L.
@@NinFever tbh the bronx is very underrated you think its all ghetto and crime and stuff because you dont actually live there and this is the influence of media people make it seem like certain places are not what they are like how the stereotype for Africa is a poor continent when it's really not so you are L
The line over the Bay was built originally by the Long Island Railroad as part of its service. it was originally wood and after a disastrous fire in 1950 the line was abandoned south of Hamilton Beach. it was purchased by NYC and a new concrete causeway was built along with a connector to the existing el on Liberty Ave. The new subway service ran for the first time in June 1956.
This is what I e always loved about the MTA, so many unique stations, all indicative of the times they were constructed at. I love how 181 in Washington Heights doesn't really have beams in between the tracks, gives it that open concept feel. I have no idea what I'm talking about there lol
Wonderful video. Was not familiar with the "Uptown" portion of the "A" Line. Rode the trains from Rockaway Park to lower/mid Manhattan on occasion. Distances between Express stations on the uptown portion are impressive. Even distances between local stations allowed for quick transit. It seems as though the IND was "modern" even when it opened in the 1930's.
Thanks. Great video of Train Operator's(Motorman) Point Of View. I Love your wide camera shooting,especially that it allows us to read the name of the stations,as we pass them.
thanks for the ride! I grew up in Brooklyn near the 45th 4th avenue "R" station. I never been on the "A" train in the Rockaway's and I always wonder what it looks like at the end there :)
I lived in Inwood (Manhattan) and would take the A from 207th Street to HowardBeach/JFK whenever I was flying out of JFK. I didn't mind the ride and it was way cheaper than a cab.
Why did I sit and watch this for an hour and forty minutes? I have no idea, but I did. And I'll probably watch more like it! I enjoyed it, though I'll never know why. hahahaha.
Baffles my mind how all this was built so many years ago without all of the heavy equipment available today. Even with heavy equipment is unbelievable.
I've never been to NY. I cannot wrap my brain around the complexity or sheer audacity of design of the subway system. Men lived their entire lives constructing this system so many years ago that is still so useful today.
And it was built by private companies, not the government.
@@regould221 Not entirely true, one third of it was built by the city company (IND) and all the cross company connections (Numbered to lettered/First half of the alphabet to second half) were built by the city company after it bought up the two private companies. It's also worth noting that the price of a fair was always regulated by the government to ensure that average New Yorkers could afford the system. There is significantly more historic government involvement in the subways than you think.
@Jim Allen not actually entirely true, first of all IND was city owned. Second of all, the 2nd Ave subway was a planned extension to BMT's (one of the private companies) services. It was delayed the first time because of WWII, and later because of recessions.
wb6162 I live in Chicago and I’m jealous that the MTA still runs old stock, unlike us.
And a 24 hr system at that
Thanks for the natural audio, no music.
stan crouch es el ksntkrkckkekckkmrruzjwjxnwmflelrkfktiviwująĀdkfnklwlfoseodktkgudiwieiuhejjwuiqkrbbhqhegyituey de una mefitismo UA-cam rùovœn
@@joles8 lol
@@joles8 he spammed emojis on one video of dj hammers which his the most viewed video
Agreed
Are you the captain of the train
I was a brand new Conductor in 1979 and operated on the "A" and "AA" Trains. When I got promoted to Motorman in 1981 I operated also on the "A" and "AA" Trains. The "A" was my favorite line. When I got promoted to Train Dispatcher in 1984 I was assigned 207th St. station to dispatch the "A" Trains. Oh the fond memories of the job and co-workers of that time.
I recall boarding the AA train at 155th street many times during my grade school years. Good memories.
Less than 500 people to go on the list for Conductor until I'm called. I've been a subway geek since I was a little kid and I'm really excited to work my way up to Motorman.
@@Bennett1430 my silly dream would be working at MTA opening and closing train doors
@@Mauricio_Marquez Take the test! The only thing stopping you is inaction.
The oldet and dimmer R1-9s were fine on the GG, but when we reached Hoyt-Schemerhorn, we'd change to the A Line., which boasted R10s. They didn't have thst old humming sound of the elder cars, but they did have a nice roar, speed , and florescent lighting.
Used only on the A Line!
ACF in Berwick, PA ...
I've found myself obsessing over these videos
I like to draw and watch
It's almost like your the conductor, and for the plane videos you get a pilots visual.
Same idk I just see subway NYC trains so interesting
Same
That's because you are an URBANRAILER at heart! An urbanrailer is a person who loves trains but most particularly SUBWAYS and the whole urban transportation systems! The A line in particular was the joint especially when it got to Queens and headed to the Rockaways over Jamaica Bay. AT one time the people who lived out there had to pay a double fare; one to get on the train and when to get off when they got to Rockaway! When I was in high school back in the 60's I rode every line in the city after school including the Staten Island line! Sometimes I would get home real late and catch hell until I told my parents what I was doing! Back then, it was a much safer time so I never felt afraid! To quote Mr. Spock,it was FASCINATING!!
60 years ago I'd take the A train home to Rockaway Beach.
Often I'd fall asleep on the train.
Now I listen to the entire ride as white noise to help sleep.
It puts my brain into a pre-cancer statious and feel no pain.
Although ur job is boring thanks for getting up 5 days a week to bring my behind to work, the doctor's office, my girlfriend house, to visit grandma, shopping, a night out, school, the supermarket. Damn, Y'all important. Thank u. 👏👏👏
there are people that think its intresting
John • This comment wins the Internet today. Well said, young man!
he's a passenger like you. read description
You should know that people that drive subways get a lot of money.
John its not boring and hes not even an operator
As a kid we'd ride the front just to look out. I've seen almost every view the tunnels have to offer. I love being a nyc native
Nyc native 😂
Love nyc been loads love to live there fr for a long time great city love from dublin ireland
No more rfws
@@avaolivia6839 whats so funny?
You've said it. The best place on the train is looking out the glass window of the door in the front car.
For those that have never been, this gives you a better understanding of just how big NYC is.
This. It cannot be overstated that the entirety of this line, and the entirety of the system lies solely within the city limits
The conductor has a very pleasant voice!!!
She is one of the best I have heard. Really puts some feeling into it. Good for her, Thanks!!
She really does!
Some of the unsung joys in life are seeing the lights of the train coming towards the station, feeling the wind on your face as the train decelerates by you standing on the platform, and smelling that unique smell of the NY MTA underground. I’ve visited NYC 25 to 30 times in my life and always wondered what the conductor saw. Now I know. Thank you for the video and your service to one of the great cities of the world.
The unique smell of Urine Feces decaying rats and bleach. Lovely.
Today it's a homeless shelter thieves and mentally ill hangout.
Nothing good left to say about these third world filthy dark tunnels and tracks cept their antiquated infrastructure shows the corruption and neglect of this quickly dying city
Tell the truth.
My very first memories are what you just mentioned. Nostalgia...
59:59 Utica Ave stop. Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn .Born and raised ! The memories come flooding back.
@Jason Solomon Happy to meet you. To be exact Bainbridge. & Stuyvesant .
I too have fond memories of riding the Double A and getting off at 155 St I would be going to visit my grandma and other relatives that lived near the "Polo Grounds". There were many times that we rode the Redbirds on the line to 155th on the IRT because we boarded at South Ferry, and lived on Staten Island.. New Brighton. Those were great times for me.
The A line is a remarkable feat of engineering, considering how old it is and how many component parts there are to the line. The portion from the northern terminal at 207th Street in Manhattan all the way to Utica Avenue in Brooklyn was designed and built in the 1920’s and opened for business in 1932. The station at Euclid Avenue was opened after the war, in 1948. The stations between Grant Avenue to the Lefferts Boulevard terminal were recaptured from the old BMT Fulton Street elevated line that closed in 1940. The portion between Rockaway Boulevard to Rockaway Part in the west and Far Rockaway in the east was bought from the LIRR in 1953 and opened for business as part of the A line in 1956. The A is the longest single line in the system - 32 route miles.
😊😊😊😊😊😊
The tunnels around Grant/Euclid give me the creeps every time. Perfect setting for some Metro zombie apocalypse game ;)
Then you come out the tunnel and the real life nightmare of living in the bad parts of Rockaway appears.
I love the sounds, and the calm somewhat quiet winds from that view. The near silent touch of the metals and grinding of the tracks and train. Blocks out the sound of everything else. Like a loading screen during a video game. The sounds are so peaceful I could fall asleep to this. Like a waterfall, but with metal.
Being in the front car and looking into the tunnel was a joy as a kid.
I now reside in Spain, but I grew up in East New York. Rode this A train every morning to attend High School, then to my first job in Wall Street. In the summer, took it in the other direction on the weekends to the beaches in Far Rockaway. Times have changed, but I still remember the views!, Thank you, an American abroad!
This can help me navigate the NYC world meaning helping go anywhere
When the trains are passing each other as a kid I would think they were in a race
JoshChamp 03 you were a special little one weren’t you?
Lord knows I would race if I worked as a driver.
I still do get that rush from the babies.
I thought the same...still do sometimes actually.
I’m also a kid and I thought the same thing.
I drive the M train 6 days a week. THAT is quite a picturesque ride. I kinda miss working the A as well. Great quality video!
Mario Williams was up brother you were a great train op always a pleasure working with you
mostly all underground tho
@@rubencardoso6830 brother!!!!!! Yes sir! You were a great conductor as well. Glad you moved to the front cell, bro lol
@@ice319 Do you know if the MTA is currently hiring for conductor or train operator positions? I read they were understaffed because of the pandemic.
Any advise my son goes to Transit Tech Hs
And i would like him to become an operator
Any insight would be helpful
That is the clearest, most informative, most consistent A train announcer I have ever heard.
I agree, she is amazing. Really seems to care about giving information to her passengers. That part of her job will be gone, once those cars are replaced with newer ones, all automated announcements.
I've seen a few of these videos and this particular person has the best voice of the lot.
The trains travel fast and the length of them is long; The tunnels looked dingy, and grubby though but that's okay, just until they stopped for passengers to get on and off looked nice and bright; Was a great relief to be outside under the sky, what a beautiful fine sunny day and site to see the bay and go over the bridge. They are long bridges. What an awesome ride!
Reminds of being a bored city kid riding the trains back in late 60s into 70s. Cheap entrainment and we learned our way around
memories from a retired T/O the A was my favorite line
A NYC subway operator with a clear, easy to understand voice. What sorcery is this?
Loved it..especially when it went from the tunnel into the daylight. And that ride over the water...calm and serene.
Lived in New York City all my life this might have been some of the best Subway stop/departure announcing I have ever heard. Most of the time it's just the guy talkin down a microphone that sounds like it's coming out of a 1900s phone call while saying somethin like "42nd next."
But after living here your whole life you kind of get used to it.
She seems to really enjoy her work, and is concerned about her passengers. One of the best conductor announcers I have heard. All of the newer subway cars are automating the announcements...
Yes
The only thing we understood was "Watch the closing doors." But that's because it's said on every train.
Lmaoo word
I'm surprised it isn't automated by decent speakers and a pleasant computer voice by now. Seems pretty oldfashioned to still do it like that.
I love the natural audio, no music
My first ride on the A train was in the summer of 1983. I was interested in seeing the Apollo Theater. It had bee out of the entertainment spotlight for some time and I wondered what happened to it. To my surprise, not only was it still there, but it was going to be renovated. On past visits, I was glad to see it still operating. It was big band leader Duke Ellington who gave his new addition to the band Billy Strayhorn the title for the song. He had the melody, but didn't have a name for it. The Duke said to look at the top of the directions I gave you: Take The A Train. Billy Strayhorn was born in my hometown, Pittsburgh, PA (1915-1967). P.S. : Like the female voice conductor. Loving the ride from the operator's view point! Thanks so much for sharing!
By far the most exciting and varied public subway system of any city on earth!
I think Cincinnati has it beat
I think Berlin might top it as well
I love seeing the sights of New York without leaving my house! Thanks to UA-cam and the City of New York in making all of this and many more possible. Greetings from Scooby from near Chicago. 😃
I was born in NJ and lived in CT until I graduated high school (a hell of a long time ago). I love these videos so I can see places I can't get to any more.
I agree. When a person travels a lot of time is wasted getting to places without seeing or enjoying things. You have hassles,with luggage waiting in lines complaining about bad service.
MOre like thanks to Hammers big time tho'
That goes for dublin ireland peace and safe home to all trasport workets .
I've been in love with Chicago but I've never been there! Made plans for this summer but covid19 put an end to that! I first Chicago on a TV show called "M Squad"! Ever since those days I've been fascinated with Chicago! Hope I get to see it in person when the 'all clear' is sounded and we can travel freely once again.
Just got back from NYC holiday. I appreciate the sub way trains and the work done every day every one to provide this service. Nothing in RSA to match this type of service. Nice to have a behind the scenes video.
Is it weird that listening to this helps me fall asleep? All I need now is the physical rumble and bumps the train cars make and I'll be out like a rock.
No
Greetings from down under (sydney australia) great scenic vid in the city that never sleeps well done thank you cheer's bob.
I rode the trains as a kid to school, work etc, now I'm older and no longer living in NYC, this is relaxing to me, to hear the sound of train... plus the front is the best view...
Same bro
It's great that these trains have stayed around long enough so that you can get HD videos from this vantage point
I must add The Late Great Duke Ellington song tribute to this train, “Take the A Train”👏🏽🎶🎼❤️
Wonderful memories. Thank you. My sister, God bless her soul used to be in a bowling league at the Americana Lanes, right by the White Castle restaurant that you can see as the train leaves the Rockaway Blvd station. I miss her so much. Seeing these things has choked me up..
Ye
Larry, is that you? I was a Conductor in 1967; then promoted to Motorman in 1968; then Motorman Instructor in1979. I operated all of the trains in the museum but the gate cars. The Q cars on the old Myrtle Line(It ran to Jay Street Brooklyn before being torn down from Broadway Junction to Jay Street} were the oldest and worst braking. The R32 trains were the ABSOLUTE BEST BRAKING AND OVERALL HANDLING. The R10 trains were the second best braking and handling
Brings back memories of when I grew up in NYC in the 80s. Used to take the subway to school from 181st to 207th. Weekends shopping with my mom and younger brother were a treat the farther we went downtown and even taking the PATH to New Jersey
Christian Diaz Same..I grew up both on long island and Queens then Manhattan and I never got bored on long train or subway rides. I'd always look out the window and imagine seeing something creepy going on in the dark on the tracks. (I had quite the crazy imagination as a kid) or I'd try and read all the graffiti lol. Miss late 80s and 90s NYC. I haven't been back or on the subway since 2010.
I've never been to NY or even the US. But I've always been lead to believe that the NY Subway in the 80s was practically a no go zone due to crime. I can't imagine then being a kid using the subway regularly to get to and from school. Was the "no go zone" thing a bit of an urban legend?
@@OldAussieAds Actually, the ride from 181st to 207th wasn't as bad as it would sound. I can't say the same for Brooklyn or Queens though
@@OldAussieAds - I used the BMT and IRT suvway lines to commute the HS and college in the 1950s and never had any worries, My wife who grew up elsewhere used the subway when she lived in Queens and worked in Manhattan for several years in the 1970s and felt well protected because there was a cop on every train.
I rode the " A' Train to High School everyday from 1961 to 1965 I got off at Lafayette Avenue to walk to Brooklyn Tech back when its enrollment was 6000 boys only. My daily ride took about an hour each way, and began on the Jamaica El at Woodhaven Blvd, then got off at East New York, took the escalator down underground and boarded the A train at Eastern Parkway, that took me to Lafayette Avenue. It was not an express train until it got into Manhattan after going under the East River tunnel. I did not stay on it that long. The A train went through the black neighborhoods of Bed-Sty in Brooklyn, and went the length of Manhattan Island all the way to Harlem. This video begins in northern Manhattan and heads south then over to Brooklyn after passing under the East River. In those days these trains had no air conditioning, just open windows to let the filth blow through the cars. In the morning they were sardine cans packed with the great unwashed. I worked after school as a bus boy in McCrory's Department Store (kinda like Woolworth's), and rode home around 10 PM, often the only white face in the cars, I never ever felt afraid or intimidated, I still don't. When you live in the city and grow up around all those people you never develop the kind of stupid prejudice the suburb dwellers do.
Those people??
vanessa wyndham comments seemed pretty innocent, easily offended?? just looking for something to complain about?? maybe get a life!!
If A train was R160 it might go slow or faster a little well I never ride it before so if you ride it tell me soon
NaYawkr Wow... growing up in Bklyn in the 70's/80's I remember every thing and place you mentioned...
Nice comment. I remember McCrory’s too! It’s where I bought everyone in my 5th grade class a Christmas present, and spent a whopping $6.00!😊
West 4th St. was always one of my fave stops in the entire city: I knew I'd soon be walking upstairs and buying many, many records and CDs.
@Glenn Hoge Oh yeah. Also my late friend Mike Carlucci's Subterranean Records on Cornelia St. All the shops over east of there also from Bleecker Bobs, to 9-9, Revolution, Second Coming on Sullivan, Generation Records, and many others in those days. Even CBGBs had a small record store in the next door CBGBs gallery or bar space or whatever it was during the day in the later 80s. And of course Sounds, Kims, and Venus Records but that was all East Village.
This full ride through is dedicated to the memory of the R42 as of yesterday when it was retired. The last R42 subway cars rolled off yesterday on the A train, and it will be its final voyage.
This brings back memories of the 80's & 90's for me growing up in East New York. This was my ride growing up.
Nice video quality.
Me too! Euclid Avenue!
Never get tired of watching this video.
Thanks for the ride, I haven't been on that ride to the Rockaways in years.
My favorite parts of the A train were always the Central Park express stretch (the trains used to go like a bat out of hell through here decades ago) and outdoors in Rockaway. Very unique part of the system.
59th Street to 125th Street. I always loved that stretch as a kid myself... Best when riding the old R-1 through 10 cars with the windows open. ROARRRR. That's the stretch that Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington wrote "Take The A Train" about. "Take the 'a Train To Harlem." Growing up on the Lower East Side and riding the trains by myself since I was 10 years old.
@@MrExec3549 I just started going to school in Manhattan recently and I pass that stretch every day, it’s rlly cool to see and I didn’t even know it existed until a few months ago
There is always something relaxing seeing traina "race together"
When you are little this is a thrilling sight, glad I had the honor of growing up here.
I just love riding the subways.
Honestly same 💪
This video brings back sweet memories of the good ole days as a teenager living in Brooklyn. I used to ride the A train after school.
Awesome video. Took me back to my childhood riding the subways in the front car to look out the window. And yes, thank you for the natural audio, priceless!
As a kid during the 40s, I'd walk across Inwood Park, get on Duke Ellington's "A Train" at 207th St., go down to 69th St., and transfer to the uptown D train, getting off at 161st and River St. and go to Yankee Stadium to see DiMaggio, the Scooter, Yogi and the boys play ball. This was as a 10yr old, and IT WAS SAFE!! How times have changed; my beloved NYC is no more!!
What a great video. I was a teenager again taking the "AA" to Rockaway Beach for summer fun where I remember standing at the front door of the first car and feeling the wind coming through the keyhole of the old subway cars as we went down the track, past Aqueduct Race Track, Howard Beach, Broad Channel... And it was fun to see that the Beach 98st Station still has "Playland" as part of its signage. We used to have a lot of fun there under the watchful eye of Jo Jo The Clown, Playland's logo. And thanks, too, for not putting any music or commentary over the video other than the station stop announcements. Terrific memories.
I luv this stuff DJHammer...I'm a train buff❤❤❤
Why doesn't your transit agency (MTA) record these videos officially like the CTA did in Chicago (CTA...Ride the Rails)? Viewers would like to "ride" these trains from all over the world from the comfort of their homes. Just saying. Nice video too.
Ive always wanted to look from the train operator's view since i was younger... Id love to see ALL mass transit systems upload these videos, but then again, it could be a security issue...who knows?
Don't expect much from the MTA
One it's a security issue. While it's nice to see it's a security issue. MTA wouldn't officially sign off on that
From what I've heard it's a matter of security. I know our transit network (NFTA) doesn't allow it for that same reason, as no passenger equipment is allowed in the operator's boxes.
How could it be a security issue when there are hundreds of airplane videos showing airliners being operated from the pilot point of view? If there's anything that has a security concern it would be an airliner. A more reasonable explanation is that it is an extra expense that has absolutely no benefit to MTA.
You had a fantastic operator.
Wow! What a fantastic ride. The longest part was the underground section which was cool in itself. The best part however was the ride with water on both sides.
the acceleration was dope. I felt the gravity.
DJ you've outdone urself with these motoman videos this feels just like when I used to railfan as a kid on this line I'd always wait for a Far Rock R38 so I could either look out the front window like this or ride between the cars. Because I loved all the sound effects echoing off the tunnel walls
I love the internet because of videos like this 💖
I don't know why I enjoy so much watching these videos.
The scenery at 1:24:58 is so beautiful 😍
thank for the natural audio
I LOVE these "Free" subway rides!
one thing I hate about the newer cars, now you can't see out of the window in the front car for a view like this. As child this was always thrill and with few cars left that allow this viewpoint, one can still see kids today as well adults enjoying the front view
The main problem that I had seeing out of the Front Window as a kid was that my dad and my other brothers would be there first.....
That part when the train running to broad channel is amazing, I saw it on google map and have always been wondering how would it be when the train is running on there, now I can see it through my eyes just by holding my phone! Thank you so much for uploading this!
I remember when I took this express train from end to end, that nostalgia was wonderful. Thanks for uploading the video.
Wish they did this in the late 70s, I had to always change from a nice R-46 to the damn R-10 CC shuttle at Broad Channel to Rockaway Park to get to Beach Channel High School at 98th St Playland. Took me 1hr 40min everyday to go there from 116th and B'way. This train going straight to Rockaway Park would've saved me some serious time.
Is it weird that I like to watch these?
Thanks for the memories of when I was a teenager living in NYC
Train sounds are an amazing soundtrack.
I have watched a lot of subway/metro rides before, but never a NYC subway cab ride. I can't stop watching now
That bought back so many memories
Been living in Cali since 92
Always wanted to be a motor man
Mobile, Alabama here my sister used to stay in elmhurst queens and I had to learn how to use the subways. I’m from bama the south everything about New York amazed me especially the New York accents. Not to mention the breakfast sandwiches at the bodegas were so good
Best train ride ever ; even when I played this video in 2x while listening to my music! : )
Wow! What a great video that shows such a rare view into NYC underground and subway system. Thank you for the great production as well.
I love these. Hope you’ll do more. Would love to see the 1 train POV towards the Bronx.
The Bronx, Ghetto? What? Especially where the 1 line goes to, what? Some places in the Bronx are more risky (mostly south bronx) but this is just late at night, and it’s not like south bronx is anything really interesting, The 1 Line goes to Riverdale and it’s like the best neighborhood in the bronx, L.
Axel17 I’m on it
@@NinFever tbh the bronx is very underrated you think its all ghetto and crime and stuff because you dont actually live there and this is the influence of media people make it seem like certain places are not what they are like how the stereotype for Africa is a poor continent when it's really not so you are L
The line over the Bay was built originally by the Long Island Railroad as part of its service. it was originally wood and after a disastrous fire in 1950 the line was abandoned south of Hamilton Beach. it was purchased by NYC and a new concrete causeway was built along with a connector to the existing el on Liberty Ave. The new subway service ran for the first time in June 1956.
This is what I e always loved about the MTA, so many unique stations, all indicative of the times they were constructed at. I love how 181 in Washington Heights doesn't really have beams in between the tracks, gives it that open concept feel. I have no idea what I'm talking about there lol
The quickest way to midtown (from 125) is the A train, slick.
Wonderful video. Was not familiar with the "Uptown" portion of the "A" Line. Rode the trains from Rockaway Park to lower/mid Manhattan on occasion. Distances between Express stations on the uptown portion are impressive. Even distances between local stations allowed for quick transit. It seems as though the IND was "modern" even when it opened in the 1930's.
This is a perfect video with GREAT comments. My favorite underground line. Miss the R10s, however.
This conductor is an asset to the system!
Thanks. Great video of Train Operator's(Motorman) Point Of View. I Love your wide camera shooting,especially that it allows us to read the name of the stations,as we pass them.
My favorite New York subway ride........the A train. Never ridden to/from 207th St or Lefferts Blvd.
👍👍😄😄💚💚
thanks for the ride! I grew up in Brooklyn near the 45th 4th avenue "R" station. I never been on the "A" train in the Rockaway's and I always wonder what it looks like at the end there :)
When the guys in the breakroom notice your camera 1:09:48
I lived in Inwood (Manhattan) and would take the A from 207th Street to HowardBeach/JFK whenever I was flying out of JFK. I didn't mind the ride and it was way cheaper than a cab.
WAY cheaper!!
My favorite line in the ENTIRE MTA rail system!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
It's mind boggling how massive New York City is
Something fascinating about trains and sitting up front. Love to see a D line trip some time.
Thank you for the wonderful trip! Lol the workers in the tower at Euclid Ave. were staring at you quite intently!!
Major shoutout to the train operators and conductors who do their jobs 24/7, putting their lives on the line to move the greatest city in the world.
That view/ride from JFK to Broad Channel tho 😍
Edit: Then from Broad Channel to Beach 90th Street 😍
Why did I sit and watch this for an hour and forty minutes? I have no idea, but I did. And I'll probably watch more like it! I enjoyed it, though I'll never know why. hahahaha.
Baffles my mind how all this was built so many years ago without all of the heavy equipment available today. Even with heavy equipment is unbelievable.
Very professional crisp clear images. I look forward to looking at more of your work
Brings back a lot of memories, thank you!
What a great Train ride with the letter 'A'.
At 1:09:32 if you look at the window at Euclid Avenune. You'll see the man on the desk . If you look them .
I love the sound those subway trains make.