Second Ave. Subway opens, as promised
Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) celebrated the Second Avenue Subway line’s inaugural ride on New Year's Eve.
The MTA celebrated the anticipated expansion with the new line’s first ride and a party cohosted by MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast.
MTA says attendees included Second Avenue Subway and MTA employees, local community members and elected officials, as well as members of President Obama’s Cabinet including U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
“After nearly a century, the Second Avenue Subway is no longer a dream that only a few still believe is possible. Thanks to the dedication and tireless efforts of thousands of great New Yorkers, the stations are open, the trains are running and it is spectacular,” said New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. “With this achievement, we have recaptured the bold ambition that made the Empire State so great, proving that government can still accomplish big things for the people it serves. New Year’s Eve is all about starting anew and I am proud to ring in the New Year on the Second Avenue Subway and welcome a new era in New York where there is no challenge too great, no project too grand, and all is possible once again.”
Representatives say the inaugural ride entailed having a train specially wrapped with Second Avenue Subway branding and making celebratory stops at the line’s new 86th and 96th Street stations.
“This is a grand celebration befitting a truly historic occasion and a proud moment for the MTA,” Prendergast said. “We worked around-the-clock to meet Gov. Cuomo’s deadline, and tomorrow the public will reap the benefits of this commitment. We thank the men and women who worked so hard on this massive project, and we hope all New Yorkers enjoy this new line and vastly improved commute.”
Attendees at the celebration also saw a performance by the cast of “In Transit,” a subway-themed musical on Broadway, in addition to music performed by Sunnyside Social Club, a jazz band that participates in the MTA’s “Music Under New York” program.
The event was co-hosted by several of the MTA’s stakeholders and area organizations.
