Most of us use the subway every day for better or worse, but how many of actually know the rich history of the MTA that gets us around NYC. Below is a brief timeline of the colorful origins of the NYC subway system.
1827: Did you know that private companies originally owned all the subway systems in NYC? Abraham Brower established the first public transportation route.
1870: The first elevated train service was established becoming the most popular mode of transportation for the next few decades.
1904: The first official subway system opens in Manhattan
1905: Subway service extends to the Bronx
1908: Subway service extends to Brooklyn
1915: Subway service extends to Queens
1930: Electric trolly cars introduced
1953: The NYC TA is established
1968: MTA established
1976: NYC Transit Museum opens
1997: Entire subway system switches to Metrocards
1998: Unlimited cards are introduced
2000: R142A subway car enters service, featuring digital information boards and strip maps
2003: Last tokens accepted
