"The New York City Subway is a rapid transit system owned by the government of New York City and leased to the New York City Transit Authority, an affiliate agency of the state-run Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Opened on October 27, 1904, the New York City Subway is one of the world's oldest public transit systems, one of the most-used, and the one with the most stations, with 472 stations in operation (424 if stations connected by transfers are counted as single stations). Stations are located throughout the boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

"The system has operated 24/7 service every day of the year throughout most of its history, barring emergencies and disasters. By annual ridership, the New York City Subway is the busiest rapid transit system in both the Western Hemisphere and the Western world, as well as the seventh-busiest rapid transit rail system in the world. In 2021, the subway delivered 1,311,320,200 rides, or about 5,651,000 per weekday as of the second quarter of 2022. On October 29, 2015, more than 6.2 million people rode the subway system, establishing the highest single-day ridership since ridership was regularly monitored in 1985.

"The system is also one of the world's longest. Overall, the system contains 248 miles (399 km) of routes, translating into 665 miles (1,070 km) of revenue track and a total of 850 miles (1,370 km) including non-revenue trackage. Of the system's 28 routes or "services" (which usually share track or "lines" with other services), 25 pass through Manhattan, the exceptions being the G train, the Franklin Avenue Shuttle, and the Rockaway Park Shuttle. Large portions of the subway outside Manhattan are elevated, on embankments, or in open cuts, and a few stretches of track run at ground level. In total, 40% of track is above ground. Many lines and stations have both express and local services. These lines have three or four tracks. Normally, the outer two are used by local trains, while the inner one or two are used by express trains. Stations served by express trains are typically major transfer points or destinations." (Wikipedia)

How to Ride the New York City Subway

• Before you ride the New York City subway you need to buy a MetroCard. You will swipe this card every time you enter a subway station at the turnstiles. MetroCards cost $1 to purchase. Once you buy your MetroCard you can add money to it

• MetroCards may be purchased and refilled at subway station booths, MetroCard vending machines, and at other vendors. You can use cash, credit, or debit cards to make your purchase.

•  New York City subway fares are $2.75 per trip. For visitors staying more than a couple of days you can buy a one week unlimited MetroCard for $33 or an unlimited monthly MetroCard for $127.00. People who are 65 or older or who have qualifying disabilities can get a reduced fare, which is half price. You must see an attendant at a station to purchase one.

(Read more on Trip Savy,,,)

"The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut," the official website says.

"The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. The MTA family includes 70,000 employees in a variety of positions, from bus and train operators to engineers, accountants and policy experts. The Authority is led by Chair and CEO Janno Lieber, along with a world-class management team. The MTA is governed by a 23-member Board. Voting members are nominated by the governor, New York City's mayor, and the county executives of the counties serving the MTA's service area. 

"The MTA's operating agencies are New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, and Bridges and Tunnels. Construction & Development supports these agencies by identifying, developing, and building the capital infrastructure projects needed to renew and enhance the MTA’s extensive assets."

Our system includes: 

• More than 6,455 subway cars, which collectively traveled about 331 million miles in 2021
• 472 subway stations
• 665 miles of track
• 5,780 vehicles in our bus fleet, all of which are 100% accessible to riders with disabilities
• 234 local bus routes, 20 Select Bus Service routes, and 73 express bus routes in the five boroughs

10 Secrets of the New York City Subway

1. Holiday Nostalgia Train: During the holidays, a vintage subway train whisks New Yorkers back in time. 
2. REACH New York: Hidden in plain sight on a pair of Manhattan subway tunnels are a pair of public instruments that sing to each other.
3. The Secret Entrance to the Knickerbocker Hotel: An unassuming secret door once led to a legendary watering hole.
4. Track 61: This abandoned subway station beneath the Waldorf-Astoria hotel is allegedly used to secretly transport presidents.
5. Abandoned 18th Street Subway Station: This abandoned subway station can still be seen on regular commuter trips.
6. The Forgotten Entrance to Clinton Hall: Hidden in one of New York's oldest subway stations is the final remnant of the site of the bizarre Shakespeare Riots.
7. City Hall Station: A beautiful and abandoned New York subway station from 1904, complete with chandelier.
8. Brooklyn Townhouse Secret Subway Exit: This innocent-looking town home is actually a subway exit.
9. Masstransiscope: A modern zoetrope on the New York City subway.
10. Avenue H Station House This unusual subway stop was originally a real estate office.

(Read more on: Atlas Obscura)

"New York City's metro system is in a much better shape now. Yes, it is difficult to navigate for first-time travelers and some stations remain sketchy. On the other hand, cars are newer and stations are becoming more accessible and user-friendly. Anyway, tourists need it to explore the Big Apple."

"The New York subway is very extensive and covers practically the whole city and suburbs. The problem consists that it is not very well signalized , most of the time the stations are not mentioned , so you always have to be on alert "

"The subway system itself we found very efficient and logical to use, some stations however felt decidedly dodgy and I'm not sure if I'd use the system late at night, overall though we found it to be a great way to get around the city."

"Great way to get around, very cheap too. Runs 24 hours a day and gets you where you want to go FAST. Easy to navigate."

"The folks working in the NY subway stations are very polite and helpful. Thank you!!"

"This is one of the great subway systems in the world - right up there with London, Moscow and Beijing, each of which I have ridden. An amazing means of travel throughout the city, with frequent departures on an extensive array of lines. To make this work the lines are built one atop another - at times three deep. Over several days in New York I always felt safe (keeping in mind that I was back in my hotel by 10:00pm). For any visitor using the system for at least three days the weeklong unlimited pass at $33 is a great value."