Finding Gratitude on the Rails: New Yorkers Share Their Subway Thank Yous
In the bustling heart of New York City, where millions navigate the labyrinthine subway system each day, it’s easy to forget the intricate web that keeps this metropolis moving. The subways, while often the source of delays and frustration, are undeniably the lifeblood of the city.
And as we approach the holiday season, a time for reflection and appreciation, we took a moment to ask New Yorkers about the unexpected joys they find within this often-maligned transit system.
Across the city, MTA workers are hailed as everyday heroes. Andrew Giambrone, a Gothamist editor, shared a heartfelt gracias for the R train operators who patiently held the doors as he sprinted down the stairs, a beacon of hope in a rush-hour commute. This sentiment was echoed by colleagues who appreciated the dedication and compassion of those who keep the subway running. Stephanie Clary, Gothamist’s deputy editor, highlighted the simple pleasures:
"“The Franklin Avenue Shuttle train operators who honk the horn when kids wave from an overpass," she said. "Can make their day.”
But even beneath the grime and the cacophony, moments of beauty emerge. Hannah Frishberg, a Gothamist reporter, praised the "Masstransiscope," an art installation on the B and Q lines that transforms into a mesmerizing optical illusion as trains approach the Manhattan Bridge. "It’s a unique piece of art that elevates the daily commute," she remarked.
Samantha Max, a public safety reporter, lauded the talented performers known as "Showtime" who grace the subway platforms, turning daily commutes into impromptu entertainment.
There are even unexpected encounters that brighten the journey. Verónica Del Valle, an associate producer at WNYC, shared her delight in the "five-minute subway friends" she’s met along the way.
"“My favorite friend recently is the lady who told me that Matt Gaetz was removing himself from AG consideration a full five minutes before the New York Times push notification,”
she mused.
Even for a seasoned transit scribe like myself, who has witnessed the inner workings of the subway system firsthand, finding reasons for gratitude isn’t always easy. But there’s a certain satisfaction in the synchronized ballet of a cross-platform transfer between local and express trains.
And who can resist thearischen view of the New York Harbor while riding across the Manhattan or Williamsburg bridges, a fleeting moment of tranquility above the urban symphony.
Ultimately, the connection we share through this shared experience, even amidst the daily grind, is a reminder that the subway is more than just a means of transportation.
It’s a tapestry woven from the stories of millions of New Yorkers, a reflection of the city’s relentless energy and enduring spirit.
And for that, even on the busiest of commutes, we can find a reason to be thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving!
