The Christmas Subway Train

It’s a subway train made up of vintage cars, some of ‘em dating back to the 1930’s and 40’s. None were running past the late 60’s. Every year, along with fare hikes and decreased service, the New York City Transit Authority puts this train together and runs it for a few days. No big fanfare, it just rolls out. Train buffs ride it and argue subway trivia. There are usually a few retired transit workers on board who will happily recount their personal bits of subway lore. Tourists are afraid to get on. Even New York regulars often hesitate as it pulls into the station. The sight of these cars definitely could pass for, or even inspire an acid flashback – for those of us who remember acid and flashbacks……….

But if you were fortunate enough to have come of age in 1960's New York, this train is a time machine. As a kid I rode the front car, nose glued to the window watching the tracks ahead. Soon enough that subway became my magic carpet out of the Bronx. For 15 cents I could travel anywhere: Times Square at it’s raunchiest, midnight hot dogs at Nathan’s in Coney Island, coffee houses on MacDougal Street, all there and all just a subway ride away. The trains were noisy, air conditioning was unknown, and the cars rocked and clattered along the tracks, but late at night, I could fall asleep, leaning against my guitar case – or my date – without a worry. And last week, it was all back. Very cool.