New York Transit Museum Launches Holiday Nostalgia Train Rides

“Our annual vintage train rides are a wonderful way to experience the history of the subway firsthand,” said Andy Byford, NYC Transit president.

The MTA is bringing back its Holiday Nostalgia Rides, featuring vintage train cars that offer a glimpse into the city’s transit past, according to Gothamist.

These rides will occur every Sunday between now and New Year’s, departing from the Second Avenue F train station. The experience centers on an eight-car consist of 1930s R1/9 train cars, which the New York Transit Museum reported were used by the first subway company operated by the City of New York.

The R1/9 cars, which the New York Transit Museum noted were part of the vintage Independent Subway System (IND), were considered modern for their era and featured a Depression-Era Art Deco aesthetic. Passengers can see rattan seats, paddle ceiling fans, incandescent light bulbs, roll signs, and period advertisements inside the cars.

“The R1/9 cars served New Yorkers for five decades and they continue to be a reminder of New York City Transit’s rich heritage,” Byford said.

While the rides provide a historical experience, the New York Transit Museum noted that attendees assume all risk of injury, harm, or death for themselves and any minors in their party. The museum’s policy requires attendees to release and discharge the museum and its partner organizations from all liability and claims.

The museum also maintains specific rules regarding media. Any images or recordings provided by the museum or its presenters are for personal use only and cannot be used by media or for commercial purposes, including news coverage, social media, or blog posts. All such materials remain the intellectual property of the museum or its presenters.

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