View Photos of Commemorative Train Ride
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View Historical Photos of Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit’s Fleet
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today celebrated the historic milestone of the Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit Corporation’s (BMT) one hundredth anniversary since its creation with commemorative rides on a vintage BMT train in Brooklyn. New York City Transit President Richard Davey and New York Transit Museum Director Concetta Bencivenga joined rail fans for a ride along a BMT Standard nostalgia train from Kings Highway station in Sheepshead Bay to 18 Avenue station in Kensington. The BMT Standard nostalgia trains operated to and from Kings Highway and 18 Avenue stations every half hour from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m to mark the historic occasion.
“The Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit Corps led the way for the modern subway system with state-of-the-art train cars and routes that we still ride along today,” said NYC Transit President Richard Davey. “Experiencing this piece of history with nostalgia train rides is a great reminder that the subway has been the lifeblood of New York City for generations.”
“Even 100 years ago, transit authorities like the BMT were always looking for ways to innovate and build out better and safer service for customers,” said New York City Transit Senior Vice President of Subways Demetrius Crichlow. “Providing rail fans with the opportunity to experience these trains for themselves honors and celebrates that historic legacy.”
“There’s no better way for the New York Transit Museum to celebrate the BMT's Centennial than by returning an iconic BMT Standard train to the rails,” said New York Transit Museum Director Concetta Bencivenga. “Although the BMT only existed for 17 years before the systems were unified in 1940, the company made a huge impact. Whether the BMT triplex, the first articulated subway car in North America, or the focus on new and better passenger and operator experiences, these milestones and technological advancements left a lasting legacy.”
On June 15, 1923, BMT took over operations of the bankrupt Brooklyn Rapid Transit (BRT) company and quickly introduced new subway cars known as AB Standards whose mid-century modern technological legacy extends to the modern-day subway car. Some of the BMT’s original transit routes are still in existence today including the / . The BMT remained a competitor to the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) and the Independent Subway System (IND) until June 12, 1940, when the BMT and IRT were sold to New York City and the subways became unified forming the basis of today’s system.
About the New York Transit Museum:
Vintage trains are on display at the New York Transit Museum year-round. Since its inception over forty years ago, the Museum – which is housed in a historic 1936 IND subway station in Downtown Brooklyn – has grown in scope and popularity. Visitors can explore vintage trains, buses, and historic turnstiles along with rotating exhibits. Plan your visit and purchase tickets here.