Take a Ride On a Vintage NYC Subway Train

EAST VILLAGE, NY — Dream of Duke Ellington and jazz while taking a holiday ride on the MTA's vintage subway cars and buses.

The agency is rolling out the subway cars and buses as part of its annual holiday tradition. Straphangers can take a ride in cars outfitted with rattan seats, ceiling fans, incandescent bulb lighting, drop-sash style windows and roll signs, according to a MTA press release.

Usually displayed at the Transit Museum, the special eight-car train will be put into service on Sundays until December 18, the MTA says. Dubbed the "Shoppers Special," the train will run via the 6 Ave. Line between 2nd Ave and Queens Plaza.

The vintage buses, which will include the No. 2969, 3100, 6259, and 9098 buses, will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays from December 5 to December 21. These buses will run across 42nd St. along the M42 route, according to the MTA.

The ride does not cost extra; just the swipe of a MetroCard.

The MTA said the R1/9 subway cars, also known as City Cars, were in service from the 1930s to the 1970s.

To make sure you don't miss an opportunity to ride the trains, check out their scheduled departure times, courtesy of the MTA:

Leaves 2nd Ave. Leaves Queens Plaza
10:05 a.m. 10:44 a.m.
11:13 a.m. 12:14 p.m.
1:03 p.m. 1:44 p.m.
2:33 p.m. 3:14 p.m.
4:03 p.m. 4:44 p.m.

Photo via Mtattrain/Creative Commons