A WEEKEND OF VINTAGE TRAIN RIDES AT THE
NEW YORK TRANSIT MUSEUM’S PARADE OF TRAINS
(Free with Subway Admission!)

 Step back in time on the BMT Brighton Line Saturday and Sunday, September 9th and 10th! 
 Ride the rails in historic style at the New York Transit Museum’s Parade of Trains on Saturday and Sunday, September 9th and 10th. Shuttle through time by hopping on and off historic trains representing more than a century of New York City transportation history. Straphangers can step aboard different vintage trains from the Museum’s collection from 11am to 4pm at the Brighton Beach B/Q platforms or the Kings Highway Manhattan-bound B/Q platform. Shuttle rides are free with a MetroCard swipe or OMNY tap!

“Whether you’re a history buff, a transit enthusiast, or simply want to experience an “Only in New York!” one-of-a-kind experience, Parade of Trains promises to be a fantastic weekend for all ages” says New York Transit Museum Director Concetta Bencivenga. “The Transit Museum is extremely fortunate to have over a century of rolling stock that still rolls and we’re delighted to be able to be a “museum without walls” and bring the vintage fleet to you for the weekend!” 

Parade of Trains offers a rare chance to relive the past and immerse yourself in the charm of yesteryears. Vintage train passengers can sit on the rattan seats, hold onto the leather straps and handholds, read vintage advertisements, and travel through time.

This year’s Parade of Trains will include a number of train cars from the New York Transit Museum’s collection, including the BU Gate Cars, BRT/BMT Standards, and IND R1/9s. Vintage equipment is subject to change and may include special surprises! 

About the Nostalgia Trains: 

• BRT Brooklyn Union Elevated Cars (1903 – 1969): Ordered in 1903 and 1907, these are the oldest cars in the Transit Museum’s vintage fleet. Known informally as “gate cars,” they feature a lightweight wooden body mounted on steel underframes and passengers enter and exit through open-air vestibules at the front and back of each car. A conductor manually opens and closes metal gates and rings a ceiling-mounted bell when passengers are safely on board to signal the motorman to proceed.
• BRT/BMT Standards (1914 – 1969): The BMT Standards introduced destination roll signs, larger windows, and brighter lighting. They were designed more along the lines of a suburban railroad car, with a maximum seating philosophy, and even included drop-down seats for off-peak use.
• IND R1/9s (1930 – 1977): Known by their contract numbers, R1 through R9 cars feature rattan seats, paddle ceiling fans, incandescent light bulbs, and roll signs for passenger information – all pre-WWII subway staples. They set the standard for more, wider and faster opening doors and a reduction in seating capacity to better accommodate rush hour crowds.

Please note the following details for a seamless and enjoyable experience:

• Boarding and Exiting: Passengers can board and exit the trains at the Brighton Beach and Kings Highway stations on the B/Q lines. Boarding and exiting at Brighton Beach will take place on both B/Q platforms, while at Kings Highway, it will be only on the Manhattan-bound platform.
• Ride Duration: Each trip will be approximately 10 minutes.
• Wait Times: Please anticipate some wait times between rides as we strive to ensure everyone gets a chance to enjoy this unique experience.
• Accessibility: Kings Highway is an ADA-accessible station with an elevator to the Manhattan-bound platform located on the south side of Kings Highway, west of 16th Street. Please check the MYmta app and visit the MTA’s Elevator and Escalator Status page before you travel for real-time elevator status information. The elevator for Kings Highway station is located between 15th Street and 16th Street. There is no elevator at the Brighton Beach station. Most but not all of the vintage train cars are wheelchair accessible.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK TRANSIT MUSEUM:
The New York Transit Museum is the largest museum in the United States devoted to urban public transportation history and one of the premier institutions of its kind in the world. 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. For nearly 25 years, the Transit Museum has also operated a Gallery & Store in Grand Central Terminal. To learn more, visit nytransitmuseum.org.

What:   Parade of Trains

When:   Saturday and Sunday, September 9th and 10th, 11am to 4pm

Where:  Brighton Beach B/Q platforms and Kings Highway Manhattan-bound platform

Admission:  Free with subway fare!

More Info:  nytransitmuseum.org/ParadeOfTrains2023