The Crucial Question Every New Yorker Asks (Besides When Will Rent Go Down?): How Many Subway Cars Does the MTA Actually Own?
Ah, the New York City subway. It's a beautiful mess, a never-ending symphony of screeching brakes, questionable smells, and the occasional performance artist playing the kazoo. But one question has plagued straphangers for generations: just how many subway cars does the MTA actually own?
Are We Talking Packed-Like-a-Can-of-Sardines Standing Room Only, or Chilling-With-Plenty-of-Legroom Seating?
This, my friends, is where things get interesting. The answer depends on a few factors, like whether you're counting retired cars that are currently chilling on a beach in Bermuda (probably not) or those shiny new ones that haven't quite hit the tracks yet (also probably not).
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| How Many Subway Cars Does The New York City Transit Authority Own |
But Here's the Real Dirt:
As of November 2016 (which, admittedly, is a bit like trying to guess the population of a gumball machine, you never quite know what's in there), the official number was around 6,418 cars. That's a whole lotta subway!
Wait, There's More! A Tale of Two Divisions:
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Now, here's where things get a little funky fresh. The NYC subway system actually has two fleets: the A Division and the B Division. Think of it like roommates – they share the same space (the subway tracks), but they have different stuff (different sized cars).
- A Division: These guys are the shorter, squatter ones, kind of like the friend who always seems to take up more couch space. There are roughly 8 feet 9 inches wide and 51 feet long.
- B Division: These are the bigger, bolder roommates, think the one who always has people over. They come in at around 10 feet wide and can stretch from 60 to 75 feet long.
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But Why All the Different Sizes?
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Apparently, not all tracks are created equal. Some have sharper curves, and those 75-foot B Division cars? Well, let's just say they wouldn't exactly be doing the Macarena on those tight corners.
So, How Many Cars Are There Now?
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This is where it gets a little tricky. The MTA doesn't exactly release car count updates daily (probably because they'd rather not answer the "when will the D train show up?" question a million times a day).
However, your best bet for a close-ish number is to check out the New York City Transit website. They update their stats regularly, and who knows, you might even learn some other fun facts about the subway system, like the deepest station (hint: it's creepy down there).
**FAQ: How to Get the Most Out of Your NYC Subway Experience
- How to Avoid Rush Hour Like the Plague? Easy, become a vampire or a night owl. Otherwise, suffer alongside your fellow New Yorkers.
- How to Score a Seat? Develop ninja-like reflexes and be prepared to elbow your way in. Or, befriend someone who looks particularly comfortable standing.
- How to Deal with Delays? Embrace the zen of public transportation. Venting will only get you so far. Instead, try mastering the art of the power nap.
- How to Avoid Getting Lost in the Labyrinthine Stations? Download a map and pretend you're Indiana Jones navigating a booby-trapped temple (the only booby traps here are questionable puddles, though).
- How to Entertain Yourself During Long Rides? People watching is an art form in the NYC subway. Bonus points for spotting the most interesting outfit or the loudest conversation.
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