Since the age of 7, I've a seemingly natural connection with the transportation around me. Why specifically 7 years old? Take a trip down to my basement, sift through some boxes, and you’ll find my collection of highway renovations on construction paper. In no way could anyone add an exit specifically for McDonald's off the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway, but try telling that to me 11 years ago. Seemingly a random piece of my childhood was actually part of a pipeline to an immense infatuation with the public transportation network just 30 miles away from me in the boroughs of New York City.
The progression away from roadway interest occurred as I took more trips into Manhattan via train and moved around by walking or taking the subway. My family explained to me how the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) took much less time to use for city access as opposed to sitting in traffic and struggling to find parking using a car. Through their travel tips, I found out just how expansive the subway network is. With over 450 stations connecting many neighborhoods, I had a new opportunity to explore the city.
Citing safety concerns, my mom prohibited me from using the train on my own, let alone venturing around the city without supervision, until I was 15 years old. In anticipation of this eventual date, I often found myself going down internet rabbit holes researching more about how the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) functions and locations to eventually visit. While not the most ideal method, as I obviously would have preferred seeing it all in person, I was able to learn interesting facts and locations to look for instead of just wandering around aimlessly.
Shocking to my younger mind, but more understandable now, each neighborhood has its own unique identity. Even going over a few blocks could change the feel of the same exact city. This was a tough concept for me to wrap my head around as someone from the suburbs. Towns often seemed monotonous with each other until you drove through enough for the vibes to change. Except in the city, I could hop on a train for a time comparable to a car ride around my town going from Hudson Yards in Manhattan to Sunnyside, Queens.
Photo of Hudson Yards, 2020
Courtesy of Architectural Digest
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/hudson-yards-nyc
Photo of the 46th Street-Bliss Street Station
Courtesy of Flickr Photos
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jag9889/5255274754
Eventually, my mom finally lifted her ban, maybe an extreme description but this is how I viewed it, on solo travel. I had an itinerary for myself that involved starting in the Bronx, moving to Manhattan, then to Brooklyn, and finally to Queens. I did not end up getting to Staten Island. It lacks a connection to the other four boroughs via subway which defeated the purpose of my trip.
Walking around I stuck to myself as I strode along the sidewalks, strolled through the parks, and gazed at the varying architecture, cuisine, and culture associated with each neighborhood. The whole experience felt refreshing and breathtaking. Having the autonomy to explore any nook or cranny, try new food, and learn even more made me feel as though I grew so much within a day. I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish my fast-paced day though without the subway. Many people today comment on the rugged nature, high crime, and overall dirtiness. While these people have a valid point, driving just makes little sense with a mode of transportation so expansive. Just as I learned how each neighborhood has its own identity, the subway is part of the New York City identity. All I can hope for is the further development of the network I have grown to love and hopefully a direct connection between Queens and Brooklyn to the Bronx that does not involve Manhattan. Nevertheless, I can only encourage fellow suburban residents and tourists to experience New York City through the subway.
Cover Photo Courtesy of NYCGo
https://www.nycgo.com/articles/15-secret-subway-tips/
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