NY SubwayIn 1904, the first underground and underwater rail system in the U.S., the New York City Subway, began operating. Even with elevated train lines springing up around the city, the need for an underground rapid transit railroad was obvious to clear street congestion and spread city development into the outlying areas. Almost 8,000 men participated in building the 21-mile (33.6 km) route, under chief engineer, William Barclay Parsons. Building the subway was a complex and dangerous task; at least 44 people died in the effort: This first rapid transit subway, the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit), was opened in New York City by Mayor McLellan. The subway and bus fare was set at one nickel. The cars operated between the Brooklyn Bridge and 145th St at Broadway.[Image: City Hall Station platform, showing natural lighting.] |
