The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced the return of its popular leaf peeper trains, which started running on October 4, 2023. These special trains will operate on weekends until November 16, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the stunning fall foliage of the Hudson Valley. According to Justin Vonashek, President of Metro-North Railroad, the trains provide an ideal opportunity to explore outdoor activities in the region during this picturesque season.
For those interested in local history and transit memorabilia, the MTA will also host a memorabilia sale on October 15 and 16, 2023, from 09:00 to 14:00 at 23 Avenue X in Gravesend, Brooklyn. This sale promises a range of items, including vintage subway signs, logos, and even components from retired transit vehicles. Vivian Ng, Asset Recovery Manager for New York City Transit, noted that this marks the first time the sale will allow walk-ins without prior reservations. Visitors will have a 45-minute shopping window to browse and purchase items, which will be available for pick-up only.
To access the sale, attendees are encouraged to use the D train to Bay 50 St. Parking will be available on-site, and those planning to attend are reminded to complete a waiver, which can be printed from the MTA website. Payment will be accepted via Visa or Mastercard only; cash and American Express are not permitted.
In addition to these events, questions have arisen regarding the ongoing construction for the 34 St busway. Sarah Wyss, Acting Chief of Operations Planning for New York City Transit, clarified that the New York City Department of Transportation oversees these projects. She assured commuters that any disruption would be minimal, primarily involving signage updates and pavement markings. Current projections indicate that the busway will be completed by the end of the year, and express bus services will continue as usual during the construction period.
The MTA continues to engage with the public through its “Ask the MTA” initiative, encouraging community members to submit their questions about transit services. For further inquiries, individuals can email [email protected].
These initiatives reflect the MTA’s commitment to enhancing public transit experiences while promoting local culture and community interaction.
