Yes, the Second Avenue Subway Did Open as Scheduled on New Years Day

Three new stations on Second Avenue and an upgraded Lexington Avenue station were open for the first phase of the long-awaited subway line, an extension of the Q Line. Here are some observations of the trains and stations from The New York Times.

2 minute read

January 3, 2017, 5:00 AM PST

By Irvin Dawid

Some had questioned whether all the new stations would be ready, but they were proven wrong.

"Visitors arriving at the line’s three new stations will find a very different — and far more pleasant — atmosphere than they do in most of the rest of the subway system," observe Emma G. Fitzsimmons, Emily Palmer, Noah Remnick, Daniel E. Slotnik and Jonathan Wolfe for The New York Times.

Credit: Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)

"Visitors arriving at the line’s three new stations will find a very different — and far more pleasant — atmosphere than they do in most of the rest of the subway system," note the reporters, though they are quick to add, "Enjoy that while you can."

One inescapable observation from the multitude of photos clearly distinguishes these rides on opening day from commute trips: passengers are happy if not beaming to be traveling on a new line that some have been waiting for generations.

Among the other observations: station art, bathrooms, litter. They also describe the 96-year "tortured history" of the line and the next phases which ultimately will take the train line "8.5 miles along Manhattan's East Side—from 125th Street in Harlem to Hanover Square in Lower Manhattan," per MTA. "It's unclear when the other three phases will be completed or how much they will cost," notes amNewYork.

Amy Plitt, editor of Curbed NY, reports on the New Years Eve inaugural ride with the major dignitaries, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo (see video of his speech with introduction by MTA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Thomas F. Prendergast). Unlike other major subway systems, e.g., Chicago, Philadelphia, the ND Bay Area, it's not the city or the region but the state that is in charge

"The subway is open now, with rides happening until 10 p.m. for the first few days; full service begins January 9," adds Plitt.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Recently on Planetizen:

Opening on January 1: The Most Expensive Subway Ever Built, December 29, 2016: Some writers are making sure that one important detail isn't getting lost in the celebration — the cost.
MTA Gears Up for December Opening of Second Avenue Subway...Maybe, November 1, 2016, New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority is committed to opening the first phase of the new Second Avenue subway in December, but a New York Times report sheds doubt on all three new stations being ready before 2017 (were they proved wrong!).

FULL STORY: Highlights From the Opening of the Second Avenue Subway

Sunday, January 1, 2017 in The New York Times

Infrastructure Transportation New York Manhattan Upper East Side Art Second Avenue Subway Transit Station Art New York MTA Governor Andrew Cuomo Emma G. Fitzsimmons Thomas F. Prendergast View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Get 25% Off Your Subscription

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.