Subway Colors and Names

Ever wonder why the A train is blue on the map but the 6 train is green? Or why you never see an F train on a 2 train platform? Once you learn the method behind MTA subway colors and names, the map will never look the same.

[aliciahilliard]

MTA: thats why you will never see a lettered train next to a numbered train

Me: Queensboro Plaza

[blueberryboi]

Considering the fact that NYC has well over 8 million people, its understandable why they have an extensive complex subway system.

[bunnieangeni]

Just remember that a express train might skip stops while a local train doesn’t! Most trains are local trains so you don’t have to worry about it skipping your stop.

[TRRailfan]

This is a great introduction to the topic! Glad the MTA is actually trying to explain things to passengers.

[kingpayan]

I think this video confused me even more about the subway

[PertinaciousGeek]

music was too loud, narration not loud enough

[leongkinwai]

0:12 "...to help riders get through the system"

yeah that montage of weird stuff going on doesn't scream "comprehension!" very well

[radam]

Useful information for my Cities: Skylines version of New York City! Thanks for the input!

[hostilepancakes]

Always be wary of whether you're catching a local or express train. Also be wary whether those services run express 24/7, or even if a local service doesn't run late at night. Some services may have multiple destinations in one direction, so make sure you get on the correct Downtown (southbound) A, Uptown (northbound) E, Uptown 5 or Uptown N -- they don't all head to Lefferts Blvd, Parsons/Archer, Dyre Ave, or Astoria-Ditmars respectively. When entering a local-only station, make sure you're using the correct entrance, otherwise you may have to travel a few stops in the opposite of your intended direction, to get to an express station where the mezzanine allows you to go to the other side.

[osagiee.guobadia-secondytc]

This is some what educational for me to learn more about the Subway trains, with colors and names on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. : )

[teresab]

NO
people will only remember what lines they use

[Salemteen]

Being in Brooklyn & Queens the first 6 years of my life, I basically grew up on the A, C and E trains. I had a feeling it went that way.

[rahmel]

Also, before 1985, some lines (mainly local services) used double letters.

AA - K (discontinued 1988)
CC- C
GG - G
LL - L
QB - Q
RR - R
SS - S (SS used to mean shuttles, S meant specials)

[Partyboy]

People are saying this is confusing but if you LIVE in NYC or at least know how to ride the trains, this could actually teach some neat stuff. For example, the numbered and lettered ones represent three different companies that use to make up the MTA, in which the letters A-G represent one company and the other letters another different company.

But that aside, you May think the MTA is quite confusing, but to me I think it’s mostly because-

1. The Map is less of a diagram and more of a map. It’s intended purpose is to yes, tell you the stops but also seemingly tell you where places are relative to landmarks around the city and such (if that makes sense.)

2. And 2, the constant changing and fixing of tracks (especially on weekends where kids aren’t typically in the subway.)

So, to me at least, I think that pretty much if you got the MTA app, you’re good on updates ahead of hand (so you know if they will get in the way- in which many will not, unless it’s in Manhattan or northern Brooklyn- (like Atlantic Barclays Center).)

[RyanTaylor]

It’s good that the branches are also coded with numbers and letters, here in London they just name different destinations or sometimes add (via x) to indicate different route branches within the same line which quite confusing sometimes

[injustifiiable]

Technically the 42nd St S is IRT, the other two are BMT/IND.

[nyrmike]

Thanks for the informative video. Learned something new!

[DrSurprise]

wow, i never thought of any of this! it makes sense now. Although i have noticed that all the #-ed lines have the 3 door trains. i thought the letters and #s were randomly selected

[xstremz]

for those of you that do not know about the nyc subway system:
-It was the first to develop a 4-track subway system. This allows express and local trains to run on separate tracks for customers to get to locations quicker and easier.
-There are many subway car prototypes that are for the BMT, IRT, and IND.
-The NYC subway system has an interesting history and features. You should learn more about it.





Lol

[franklyspeaking]

My Dad was a Conductor for NYCTA for 24 years. Worked on the IRT out of East 241st in The Bronx.