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The New York underground is one of the most emblematic and complex underground transport networks in the world. With more than a century of history, it has been the setting for countless stories, urban myths and curiosities. Below, we’ll explore some surprising and lesser-known facts about this transport system that moves millions of people around the Big Apple on a daily basis. Check out our private tours here!
An underground labyrinth with history
The New York underground is not only one of the largest in terms of stations and kilometres of track, it is also one of the oldest. Opened in 1904, the system has grown steadily, now covering all five boroughs of the city. One of the most notable curiosities is that, in its early years, the stations were designed with a unique architecture, influenced by the Beaux-Arts style. These early stations, such as the closed City Hall, are still admired for their architectural beauty, even though they are no longer in operation today.
In addition, the underground system has witnessed numerous historical events. During the Second World War, secret bunkers were built under the underground to protect citizens in case of bombing. Some of these shelters still exist, although their exact location is kept secret, fuelling urban legends about hidden tunnels and secret passages.
A network that never sleeps
The New York City underground is famous for operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, something few underground systems in the world can match. This feature makes it a lifeline for the city that never sleeps, allowing New Yorkers and tourists to get around at any time of the day or night. However, this continuous operation has its challenges. Maintaining the system is a Herculean task, and many repairs are done in the middle of the night, when the flow of passengers slows down.
Another curiosity is that, despite their uninterrupted operation, metro lines may change routes at night or on weekends to facilitate repairs. This has led to the birth of a particular jargon among users, who speak of “route changes” and “ghost trains” appearing at unexpected times. However, for regular users, these disruptions are part of everyday life and have become just another aspect of the city’s chaotic charm.
Underground art: the city’s hidden museum
Many people don’t know it, but the New York underground is home to an impressive collection of art. From mosaics to sculptures, more than 300 works of art are scattered throughout the system’s stations and tunnels. This public art programme began in the 1980s with the intention of beautifying the stations and making the underground a more welcoming place.
One of the most famous works is “Life Underground” by Tom Otterness, located at the 14th Street-Eighth Avenue station. This series of small bronze sculptures, depicting cartoonish figures in everyday situations, has captivated passengers since its installation in 2001. But it’s not just sculptures; at stations such as Times Square and Grand Central, riders can find murals, mosaics and even light installations that transform the daily commute into a unique cultural experience.
The mysteries and legends of the underground
The New York underground is not only a place of transit; it is also home to numerous myths and legends. One of the best known is that of the “crocodiles in the sewers”. According to this urban legend, crocodiles were allegedly released into the sewer system and found a home in the underground tunnels. Although never verified, this story has endured in New York popular culture and has inspired numerous films and books.
Another fascinating story is that of the “missing train”. It is said that in 1934, a Brooklyn-bound train mysteriously disappeared between two stations and was never heard from again. Although this legend lacks evidence, it has fuelled the imagination of generations of New Yorkers, who claim to have seen this ghost train in the darkest and most recondite tunnels.
Finally, we cannot forget the “mystery of the underground musicians”. For decades, the New York underground has been a stage for street musicians seeking to make a living or simply share their art with passengers. However, some claim to have heard tunes coming from closed stations or even abandoned tunnels. Are these musicians ghosts, or simply the reverberation of sound in the underground labyrinth? No one knows for sure, but these stories contribute to the mystical aura that surrounds the New York underground.
