How Fast Do New York City Subways Go?
A Deep Dive into the NYC Subway's Need for Speed (or Lack Thereof)
New York City. The city that never sleeps. The city of dreams. The city where you can get a decent slice of pizza at 3 AM. But also, the city where you might spend an hour underground, wondering if you'll ever see the sun again.
One of the burning questions on every New Yorker's mind (besides "Where can I find a rent-controlled apartment?" and "Is it acceptable to wear pajamas in public?") is: How fast do these subway trains actually go?
The Need for Speed
Let's be real, folks. When you're running late for a hot date, a job interview, or a Broadway show (because you stopped to get that aforementioned slice of pizza), you want to get there fast. And when you're crammed into a subway car with a bunch of sweaty strangers, the last thing you want is for the train to crawl along at a snail's pace.
So, how fast do New York City subways go? Well, the answer might surprise you.
The Shocking Truth
The average speed of an NYC subway train is a measly 17 miles per hour. Yes, you read that right. 17 miles per hour. That's, like, slightly faster than a bicycle.
Now, I know what you're thinking. "But I've been on trains that felt like they were going a hundred miles an hour!" Well, my friend, that's just your imagination (or maybe you were on the 7 train).
Why So Slow?
There are a few reasons why the NYC subway is so slow. First, there are a lot of stops. With 472 stations, trains have to accelerate and decelerate constantly, which slows things down. Second, the tracks are old and winding, which makes it difficult to go fast. And third, there are a lot of people on the trains, which means that boarding and alighting can take a while.
The Fastest Trains
Of course, there are some subway lines that are faster than others. The 7 train, for example, can reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. But even that's not exactly breaking any speed records.
The Future of Speed
The good news is that the MTA is working on ways to make the subway faster. They're upgrading the signal system, which will allow trains to run closer together and at higher speeds. They're also building new tracks and stations, which will be straighter and more efficient.
In the Meantime...
In the meantime, if you're in a hurry, you might want to consider taking a taxi or an Uber. Or, you could just leave your house a few hours early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get to Times Square from Brooklyn?
Take the 2, 3, N, Q, R, or W train.
How to avoid delays on the subway?
Check the MTA website or app for service changes before you travel.
How to find a seat on the subway?
Wait for the train to empty out at a station.
How to deal with annoying passengers on the subway?
Put on your headphones and pretend they don't exist.
How to survive a crowded subway car?
Hold on tight and try not to make eye contact.