take the A train (again)

IN announcing the return of A train subway service to the Rockaways after Superstorm Sandy, the MTA rolled out one of the oldest subway trains still operating to mark the occasion. The ceremonial train left the Howard Beach station carrying MTA brass, employees, NYPD officers and many members of the media. Once reaching Rockaway Park Beach 116th station, there were speeches and song, feeling perhaps a bit like a bannered celebration of the early 20th Century.

The celebratory nature of this day probably won't solve transportation problems that the Rockaway peninsula has always faced. Surely this was the MTA's best face on announcing a many million dollar repair that involved extraordinary efforts by it's track workers and engineers. But for this couple of hours, at least, most were swept up in the moment, free of the skepticism and the critical eye
that will continue to focus on the workings of the MTA after this train departs.

As for this vintage A train: it delivered real Rockaway residents to their destination after it left the station.

Photos ©Craig Ruttle 2013