Retro Journeys to Beach Destinations: Coney Island and Rockaways, Offering Rides on Vintage Subway Trains this Summer Season
Hop Aboard the Past Own a Slice of History!
Get ready, New Yorkers! This hot summer season, the New York Transit Museum is taking a trip back in time by running antique subway cars on the tracks, giving you a chance to commute to the beach in throwback vehicles dating as far back as the 1930s! Two unique Summer Nostalgia Rides will be available, ranging from the ever-popular Coney Island excursions to trips to Rockaways.
First up is the Coney Island voyage, which sets sail on Saturday, July 19. Passengers can immerse themselves in the bygone era while traveling in charming R1 subway cars from the 1930s for a two-hour adventure. Upon arrival, take your pic whether it's spinning around in Luna Park, strolling along the bustling boardwalk, or snacking on a classic hot dog from Nathan's.
Staying a little longer at the beach and hoping to catch the vintage train back to 96th Street-Second Avenue? No worries! You can pretend you're stranded for as long as you like.
Next on the calendar is the trip to Rockaways, happening on Sunday, August 10. The nostalgic journey starts at the 96th Street-Second Avenue station and ends at Rockaway Park-Beach 116th Street. Once there, enjoy swimming in the sea, lounging on the sand, or browsing the boardwalk offerings before deciding if you'd like to keep the party going till nightfall or catch the train back to Manhattan.
Did you know that these vintage R1 trains first took to the rails when the Independent Subway System (IND) launched its Eighth Avenue line in 1932? These trains combined the speed of Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) cars with the large passenger capacity of Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit (BMT) cars, introducing unique features like the four sets of double doors on both sides to enhance boarding and exiting, which has been a game-changer in subway efficiency. Each train, measuring 60 feet, accommodates 60 passengers with a mix of transverse and longitudinal seating and carries a total of 280 passengers.
Their industrial, dark appearance was a hallmark of the Depression era, which in a twist of fate, served as inspiration for the classic swing number by Billy Strayhorn, "Take the A Train."
Tickets for both trips are available now, priced at $60 for adults and $40 for children. Members can get tickets for $50 for adults and $30 for children. Don't forget to pack a portable fan as the subway cars don't have air conditioning.
And don't forget, you can also make your way to Rockaway Beach this summer using the Rockaway Rocket and the Rockaway Reserve!
Coney Island Summer Nostalgia Ride | Saturday, July 19 | 10amThe Rockaways Summer Nostalgia Ride | Sunday, August 10 | 10am
On a side note, the Roosevelt Island beach pool has reopened for the summer with a stunning new mural in vibrant colors.
Fun Fact: Billy Strayhorn, the composer of "Take the A Train," was inspired by the R1 subway cars, which were emblematic of the New York City subway system during the time his iconic piece was written.
- For a unique blend of history and outdoor-living, consider pairing your summer travels with a ride on the vintage R1 subway cars, as they take you back to the 1930s while commuting to popular beach destinations like Coney Island or Rockaways.
- With a touch of vintage charm, the lifestyle aboard these antique trains, complete with throwback fashion aged to the era, offers a fashion-and-beauty experience like no other, creating a picturesque backdrop for your seaside adventure.
- As you soak up the sun and enjoy the summer breeze at your destination, remember that the R1 subway cars, symbols of the Depression era, have left an enduring influence on popular culture, inspiring iconic tunes like "Take the A Train," immortalizing their style in music history.
