New York’s Lucky No. 7 (Train)

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Yey! The 7 train!🎉 Lots of people love this line. A group of Mets fans even call themselves the 7 Line Army. Thanks for the mention!

[@SamSitar]

on my NYC vacation i will rise the 7 line somewhere.

[@AaronSmith-sx4ez]

The true magic of the 7 train is how ridiculous walkable the stations are. From entering the station to reaching the platform...most walk times are under a minute...sometimes way less.

[@RMTransit]

Oh yeah it’s very efficient, generally not super far from the surface

[@goatgamer001]

The route 7 has elevated stations rather than underground so it makes sense

[@counterfit5]

I wish changing from the A/C/E and 1/2/3 trains at 42nd St were that short a walk

[@fans8777]

Which makes it slow

[@fans8777]

@@es-zw3mg however, beneficial for nuke shelters

[@sams3015]

I remember visiting New York in 2015 & this little girl getting madly excited that she was going on the 7 train. Her father asked why the 7 so much & besides it being her favourite number she just really liked it, “it’s fun”. At the time I thought it was a cute moment with a dad & his daughter and her choice was a random child’s whim but more I learned about it, it does seem to really stick out & it makes sense now why a child might notice it more

[@JBS319]

It's actually Times Square that's supposed to get platform doors, not Grand Central. A couple other interesting facts include that the Steinway Tunnels (including the 7 platforms at Grand Central) were originally designed for streetcars. That both why the 7 uses IRT equipment and why the platform at Grand Central flares out at one end where the streetcar loop once was. Despite having a large number of transfers to other lines, the 7 is the most physically isolated line in the system with a dedicated yard (unlike the similarly isolated L which shares a yard with the J and M) and only a single connection to the rest of the system: a crossover at the upper level of Queensboro Plaza. Speaking of Queensboro Plaza, the station used to be twice the size it is today, with separate stations for the BMT and IRT and track connections from the IRT side over the Queensboro Bridge to the Second Avenue Elevated. Both the IRT and BMT had service onto both the Astoria and Corona (now Flushing) branches: the Hunters Point Avenue station still has tiled signs pointing to trains to Astoria and Corona. BMT riders had to change from subway trains to elevated trains at Queensboro Plaza while IRT riders had thru-service. Despite being an IRT line, the 7 uses the B-2 radio frequency that is used on BMT lines. The 7 has a history of unique equipment: starting with the original Steinway Lo-Vs, then the Worlds Fair Lo-Vs, then the R33/36 Worlds Fair cars which held down the line for almost 40 years, and now the R188 series. While the (7) has rather poor accessibility, the has really good accessibility: Hudson Yards, Times Square, Grand Central, Court Square, Woodside, Junction Blvd and Flushing all have elevator access while Queensboro Plaza is getting elevators, leaving 5 Av, Vernon-Jackson, Hunters Point and Mets-Willets Point (which has to be on the list to get upgraded soon given the massive development in the area) as the remaining non-accessible stations. All in all, the 7 is a great line and has become a symbol of Queens as a whole. I often tell visitors to New York that if you want great food, just get off at a stop along the 7 train and within a couple blocks you'll find something you've probably never seen before and it will probably be delicious. I am on the 7 almost every day, and you definitely hit on why it's such a great line and such an important line.

[@RMTransit]

Worth checking out my full NY subway video, iirc I talked more about the larger QB plaza! Great point about the platform flaring too!

[@stevenroshni1228]

It would seem that Times Square was chosen because a malfunction would have minimal impact compared to other stations. You don't even have to leave the station to reach the next stop (5th Ave) and of course the shuttle would help. 3rd Ave on the L train and Suptin Archer JFK on the E were also chosen. 3rd Ave is really close to Union Square, some would even close that station. The E train is close to Jamaica Center and the J train takes that strech directly below.

[@CharlieND]

Nice to know someone shares my appreciation of the 7 train. One thing that surprised me when I rode it for the first time is how long the escalators at 34th Street-Hudson Yards are. They seemed like they went on for a mile. Also, the cross-platform transfer at Queensboro Plaza station is super cool, and the fact that it's elevated and stacked makes it even cooler. So many great things to love about the 7.

[@breadgod7426]

yo hows your comment say 4 hours ago?? its been only an hour

[@RobertWilke]

Yes that escalator is why LD along with the ramped elevator in between the two two escalators.

[@CharlieND]

@@breadgod7426 Patrons get early access to videos.

[@RMTransit]

@@breadgod7426support on Patreon for early access!

[@RMTransit]

Hudson yards is a super deep station, and because the escalators / inclinator are so long it’s platforms are actually quite a bit west of the entrances!

[@damonbond5315]

The 7 line was my subway line when I lived in Flushing.

[@clankergaming6936]

As a former New York citizen, the 7 Train carried me all the time.

[@RMTransit]

It’s a good train 🎉

[@youraveragestatehuman]

yes very much

[@red5t653]

Oh baby, the 7. It's not my home line (I'm off 71st Ave on the Queens Boulevard Line, so E F M R) but man does the 7 get SO MUCH right. First off: train headway is the absolute best in the system, with trains consistently on time far more than basically any other line in NYC. Second: It connects so many key neighborhoods otherwise somewhat bypassed by the other primary Queens trunk line (the Queens Boulevard line) Third: Its transfer points are some of the most strategically positioned in the entire system, cutting STRAIGHT across the most widely used portion of midtown, linking up with the G for crosstown service (and the N and W just above it at the absolutely awesome double decker Queensboro Plaza station) and then the big one in Queens, Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave (74th-Broadway on the 7 itself) Also of course several linkages with the LIRR at stops like Woodside and the terminus on Main Street. Honestly the only way the 7 could truly get better is just by having MORE OF THE 7, through extensions in either direction, really (the cancelled 10th Ave stop by Javits Center, or an additional spur up into Bayside) because it has essentially the perfect service pattern for a solitary line. The original line planners struck GOLD with the consistent triple track layout, because the sheer amount of extra service (and fast express service running the vast majority of the line, most notably) that layout provides, coupled with the extended platforms, means that the 7 simply has MORE people moving right where they need to go.

[@anthonywong7906]

You can also add the fact that it serves as a major connection to the flushing bus hub as well. Even though it terminates at flushing, you can still take a bus to continue west or north or south or even back east, all of which frequently crowded during rush hour. For example, I take the 7 to flushing and transfer to Q28 to continue west to bayside to get to school(yes, I live too far from the school, but I get free transit at least). Just to save you the time, you can also transfer to Q13, Q16, Q12, Q15, Q15A, Q26(limited service), Q20A, Q20B, Q25, Q34, Q44SBS, Q65, Q19, Q50, Q66, Q17, Q27, Q48, Q58, and N20G. I’m not 100% sure if this is all the lines or I’m missing some, but the point is there(it’s hard to imagine that some areas still have a much larger bus hub than this).

[@KozmicKarmaKoala]

The viaduct is aesthetically pleasing with stucco, tiles and stained glass. Very good description and it really is quite a visual adventure ride.

[@vanlevy2008]

The "7" is my favorite too for its views, the international clientele, and the views of crossing the Long Island and the Sunnyside Yard.

[@banksrail]

7 is by far the best subway line in NYC. The service is unbelievably frequent. Though, as soon as you get off and have to transfer to another line you realize that your in America again lol. Good vid

[@CraftyFoxe]

The 7 Train is my local subway line, it truly is my favorite and the best subway

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Something you forgot to mention regarding Willets Point is the MLS team NYCFC's new stadium. It's part of redeveloping the whole area because Willets Point has been nothing more than automobile shops and junkyards. After all, Willets Point is what inspired the Valley of Ashes in The Great Gatsby! The best part about the 7 is all the diverse neighborhoods it connects like you mentioned. To put things into perspective, approximately 800 languages are spoken in NYC, with 300 spoken along Roosevelt Ave! That all these people, that speak so many different languages, from all walks of life, all take the train, it's a beautiful thing. The NYC Subway really is a fine example of a system built for the people, one that unifies the different social classes. The train is the universal language. It's what a transit system is meant to be. It is truly the backbone of the city. Besides the diverse neighborhoods it serves, there are other reasons why it's called the International Express. It served the 1964-65 New York World's Fair, as well as serving the UN! Before moving to their current HQ, the UN once met at two locations on Long Island. One of those was within Flushing Meadows for the General Assembly at the NYC Building (now the Queens Museum) from 1946 to 1950. The other was Lake Success which was its temporary headquarters from 1947 to 1952. From the station, there were shuttle buses taking tourists and diplomats alike to Lake Success. The 7 was actually designated a Millennium Trail (which reflects important aspects of American history and culture) in 1999 by Hillary Clinton, acknowledging its role in redistributing immigrants in the early 1900s.

[@nyrmetros]

The 7 train probably goes through more soccer mad communities than any other train.

[@luislaplume8261]

​@@nyrmetrosAnd that is why I prefer the American version of football. No one is supposed to catch a soccer ball except for the goalie. All the other players could barely walk after running all over the field after the game is over. 😊

[@greatstationsyt]

“It would be probably be the best in the world if it was more accessible” is very true of the subway and the city honestly.

[@stevenroshni1228]

Fan Week is underway at the US open and that station isn't accessible. And the elevator at Court Street is down.

[@greatstationsyt]

@@stevenroshni1228 that suckkkks

[@TheLocalLt]

On the Flushing Line, the concrete sections are actually older than the steel sections. The concrete viaduct was the original line, while the steel sections were later added on.

[@glamslamcam]

The 7 Train is one of my favorite lines to ride on in NYC. It’s very fast, it has up to date subway cars, it goes through so many diverse neighborhoods, 90% of the line is outside & it’s fast, whether it’s a Local or Express. The 7 is a class act of a subway line and it’s a big gem in the NYC Subway. The 7 Train Rocks! 💜

[@nikhillrao3799]

"It's truly remarkable to see 7 train after 7 train coming along the line"...unless you're waiting 20 minutes for an N at Queensboro Plaza

[@metropod]

The 7 platforms at Times Square are the ones that got chosen for the platform edge barrier pilot, along with 3rd avenue on the L and Sutphin Blvd JFK on the E level.

[@RMTransit]

Ahhh, makes sense

[@jajefan123456789]

Finally Long overdue platform screen doors

[@jajefan123456789]

What going to NYC a week ago reminded me of was the fact that the MTA is significantly louder than many modern metro systems, but especially those with screen doors. Anytime I step into a station and see an express train rolling through the middle track, I have to plug my ears because it will sometimes physically hurt to not do so. Other smaller benefits coming from platform screen doors including the ability to air condition stations, which could greatly improve the comfort factor of transit that you find in other modern systems (especially in the brutal summer heat of NYC), but of course this is probably a pipe dream that won’t come for another century

[@gabetalks9275]

@@RMTransit And in typical NYC fashion, it's going to cost $100M just to test them. On only 3 stations. Certified NYC moment.

[@Sharkblueian82]

The 7 lines are my favorite lines of the mta

[@SasserReturns]

7 train is absolutely goated. on my way home from work in queens, in the morning.... it's like 30 trains per hour lol, unreal service, and like you said it connects to very!!! interesting parts of the city, and goes to flushing, probably my favorite neighborhood that isnt my own

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

If people think trains, especially elevated trains like the 7, Chicago L, and Montreal REM, ruin neighborhoods, they should go ask all the people of The Bronx who live along the Cross-Bronx Expressway about their health and all the noise and air pollution. With it being elevated, you're saving money by not doing tunneling, while still achieving grade separation! And building elevated trains will still promote dense transit-oriented development! As more people become environmentally aware, on top of those who either can't afford a car or can't physically or mentally drive one, building dense transit-oriented development is an absolute must as we move forward and solve society's biggest problems. I like what they did with the Court Square transfer, because it wasn't always a free transfer as they were once separate stations. Two transfer passageways were funded by Citigroup, the first in the 1980s between Queens Boulevard and the Crosstown Line, and the second in 2005 between the 7 and G when they were building Court Square Two. In 2001, it was temporarily an out-of-system transfer between the 7 and G to compensate for when the G was shortened to Court Square. Something else to mention about the 7 is it's along the passageway between Times Square-42nd St and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, meaning those who use the bus terminal like commuters from New Jersey can easily access it to get crosstown.

[@charlesbaran1106]

Along with the connections to other trains, the bus connections are very important at almost every stop. There are free transfers between local bus services and the number 7 train. Like a few commenters, I grew up riding a bus to Flushing to take the number 7.

[@SNeaker328]

How timely! I live in Queens, though not in a neighborhood serviced by the 7. A friend is visiting from Europe, so yesterday I decided to show him around this great borough. We were on and off the 7 all day to visit LIC, Flushing, and Flushing Meadows including free fan week at the US Open. Was a great day on the 7 train.

[@McWong888]

It's brilliant that the plucky 7 line is getting well represented here, and all great reasons, although there are definitely a few flaws from the aging infrastructure that didn't get a mention. And while the MTA is renewing some of the most in need 7 line stations which ultimately will be very beneficial, it also means that the current reduced Express service is realistically only about 5 mins faster than local, if you're lucky (I think it's about 20 mins faster ordinarily). So there are going to be plenty of delays and disruptions until the work is complete, sometime in 2024...

[@alexhaowenwong6122]

Any core urban line with no interlining and CBTC is a winner in my book!

[@jan-lukas]

And what exactly is interlining? If your line has branches is that interlining? And if you were to split up the branches into separate lines would that be interlining?

[@TechJolt3d]

​@@jan-lukasThe MTA has videos on what interlining is, but basically (if I remember correctly) it is when two or more lines share a track. This limits trains per hour since two lines compete for space on the rails and also makes any delays radiate through the system. However there are benefits to interlining too.

[@MarioFanGamer659]

@@jan-lukas For that matter, branches can come in form of as interlining (i.e. reduced branch frequency) but also in form of decoupled trains (i.e. reduced branch capacity) and interlining with only few stops typically aren't considered branches (at least I don't consider that branching).

[@RMTransit]

It’s very hard not to like 😂

[@Tigerwarhawk]

I'm from Louisiana, and I visited NYC this past weekend. I passed through Queensboro Plaza and Court Square en route to LaGuardia--from the G, to the 7, to the N, and to the M60 bus.

[@JEndless2025]

There are plans to possibly add an MLS stadium and a Casino in the general area of Citi Field. Plans are tentative but hopefully the come true. And the 7 Line is a key part of those plans.

[@richardkim9952]

FYI, the park you are referring to is called Flushing Meadows Corona Park. It's commonly refered to by NYC locals as Flushing Meadows. I've never heard it called Corona Park.

[@JoeyJoe-f5o]

Or worlds fair park

[@louiszhang3050]

I remember the first time I rode the NYC subway, and I transferred from the busy 4/5/6 Lexington Av Line to the 7 Flushing Line to travel to Flushing. From the get go I could tell this is an amazing transit line. I've ridden in brand new metro lines in Beijing that carry over a million passengers per day, but the 7 line really is remarkable. Add platform screen doors and clean up the stations and I can really see it being the greatest subway line in the world.

[@baldsportsfan9368]

Great video. I am lucky to live on the same block where a 7 train stop is located.

[@jsrodman]

It's funny, when i lived in New York for a year and visited it many times, I've only ever used the 7 as a substitute for the Shuttle.

[@ginargent5077]

Port Washington mentioned!!!

[@KozmicKarmaKoala]

I love the 7 and the N/W to Astoria. The arrival to Queensboro Plaza Manhattan bound on the N/W is a visually exciting thrill without compare.

[@lekinsh]

3:06 The Manhattan bound platform is already closed for renovations. Found out the hard way the other day.

[@RMTransit]

Oof

[@craggywag5]

one problem with the 7 Express is that it skips Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Ave, the busiest station in Queens and one of the busiest in the city. I can understand why, since the 2 stations were built by 2 agencies and connected after the merger, but it's still an issue that (although probably can't be) would be nice to have addressed.

[@stevenroshni1228]

most of the complex that one would think should be simpler transfers can be explained by the company separation.

[@guyfaux3978]

OK, but, do you rebuild the station (a non-starter), or do you change the service, i.e., some trains to/from Main St local to 74, and then express, and conversely, others express to/from 74 and then local? The switches allow such moves, but would all trains stopping at the local platform create congestion?

[@peskypigeonx]

It is not worth it. Jackson Hights riders can take QBL express is they want faster speeds, you don’t really need to rebuild the stations so that express can stop there. QBL has more capacity to move people than… the chaos that is the 7.

[@nikhillrao3799]

I think there would be severe overcrowding issues if it were an express stop

[@JamiesonPercad]

It is actually possible to switch express trains on to the local track so they stop at 74th Street-Broadway and back to the express track right after. This can be done in either direction.

[@2235-j8l]

The 7 train is my hometown line (Flushing). Since I was a kid I loved riding it for the elevated scenery, which is also probably some of the best views in the system. Getting to the city in under 30 mins was amazing and so convenient. One thing about the 7 is that it’s also definitely up there in terms of being one of the safer lines in the system. I never felt uncomfortable riding this line or on edge as I might feel riding other subway lines. It really is an iconic symbol of Queens and NYC as a whole. Along with the LIRR, the 7 train definitely sparked my interest and love for trains and railroads!

[@mossmiller]

Drive the 7 train on World of Subways 4, available on Steam. Demo videos on KZbin. I rode this line to the World's Fair back in 1964.

[@nyrmetros]

Please do a video on the history of Queensboro Plaza! It used to be twice the size and had so many different track connections!

[@benqurayza7872]

The No 7 should be extended west to transit nodes Lincoln Harbor Weehawken and Secaucus Transfer in New Jersey. That would alleviate a lot of the daily bus and auto traffic through the Lincoln Tunnel bottleneck. It might spare us the new monster Port Authority Bus Terminal proposed for Manhattan's West Side. A No 7 extension would increase regional mobility and access to jobs across the region.

[@kinglander144]

That is a bureaucratic nightmare waiting to happen.

[@dr.woozie7500]

The last rail tunnels under the hudson were constructed over 100 years ago. Don’t expect any new projects for a singular subway line. Amtrak needs to sort out their tunnel situation first.

[@stevenroshni1228]

part of why the 7 train expansion to Secaucus became a political nightmare is that people felt Mayor Bloomberg should pay for it personally@@kinglander144

[@benqurayza7872]

@@kinglander144 What we have now is a nightmare. With political will, the extended No 7 would be a benefit to both New York and New Jersey

[@BxJRP]

Dont forget the 7 is also the surfer line. Your guranteed to see subway surfers on this line especially the express one.

[@blackking7512]

The 7 almost got extended to Secaucus Junction NJ, as well.

[@ortcutt]

The problem I have with the 7 is how ridiculously crowded it is all the time. At rush hour, even with 3-5 minute headways, it’s crowded, and when anything goes even slightly wrong with moving that many people, it just becomes absurdly crowded (crush capacity).

[@TiagoGomez-hb9te]

True. Main weakness of the 7

[@JohnSmith-jt5qr]

Used to take it with my grandmother - still take it 60 years later when I visit as it brings back intensely good memories.

[@illiiilli24601]

> There are certain transit lines that are special: the Piccadilly Line in London, the East Rail Line in Hong Kong, and in New York the 7 train stands above the rest with its excellent connections and service. I wonder if any "tier list" of lines or "list of best lines" exist anywhere

[@RMTransit]

Haha, video idea….

[@mygins5820]

I live in New York and when someone comes here and asks what subway to ride the 7 is always at the top of the list. Great video though 😊

[@justingerald]

The best line. My apartment building is at 5:29 here, the gray building in the very top left of the image.

[@luislaplume8261]

The Queensborough Plaza station was once twice its size that also had service from the 2nd Ave. El that ended in 1942. 😊

[@lukebryant]

Melbourne, Australia is currently going through a rapid project of removing 110 level crossing on the Metro network. Most of the lines that have lots of crossing next to each other being replaced are getting replaced with what the government has called "Sky Rail". I personally love the new stations and the smoothness of the ride especially on the Pakenham and Frankston lines. The Upfield is also great but also keeping the original heritage listed station building. I also because that lifting the Upfield line is over due because there is a major bike path that runs along the line but gets very busy during peek. The only other option is the ride down Sydney road which is extraordinarily dangerous because trams and cars share the road and bike lanes are covered by parked cars. I think Melbourne's Level Crossing Removal Project is great for the city and its transport.

[@Elevatorelectricgate]

All the 2000's kids used to associate the 7 line with R62A's from the 6 line.

[@TiagoGomez-hb9te]

Yes

[@kirkrotger9208]

PSDs will be at Times Square, not Grand Central. There's not enough space to allow passage with the existing stairs and elevator at Grand Central, so they'd have to be completely rebuilt.

[@RMTransit]

The tight space is part of why they’d be great; but yeah that’s too bad! Access comes first

[@theajax7752]

The 7 is the best way to connect to LGA airport via train as theres a few bus connections when you get deep into queens. There have also been talks to extend the 7 into New Jersey to either Secaucus Jct or Hoboken/Jersey City, which would create some amazing connections for us folks on the left side of the Hudson

[@TechJolt3d]

Cross border rail would actually be a bureaucratic nightmare. That proposal I'm pretty sure is pretty old and I don't think it'll ever happen because then the 7 would be under federal rail guidelines.

[@de-fault_de-fault]

@@TechJolt3dPATH is subject to FRA rules because it has connections to the mainline rail network (not in revenue service, but it still counts), not specifically because it operates in two states, so I'm not sure that would apply here. Regardless, yes, that plan is 13 years old (floated as a replacement for the ARC project when it encountered a Chris Christie-shaped roadblock) and was effectively replaced by Gateway. I'd say Gateway is more valuable because it will things a 7 extension could not (like taking on all NEC traffic while the original North River Tunnels are rehabilitated, and then leaving the NEC with increased capacity permanently). Still, if you were going to extend the 7 into Hudson County anyway, I would say it's more valuable to hit Lincoln Harbor (serving Weehawken and northern Hoboken) then turn right to serve the North Hudson communities that currently only have bus access to Manhattan. Secaucus Junction already has direct access to Penn Station...after all that's the only reason it exists.

[@theajax7752]

@@TechJolt3d NJT runs plenty of trains and buses across the Hudson into New York, so there’s a history of cooperation across borders. Could be operated by the port authority like the PATH

[@TechJolt3d]

@@theajax7752 subways have different regulations from commuter rail, so it's probably better to standardize fairs similar to ezpass (maybe using omny?) and run better path and njt trains

[@RMTransit]

I’m always split on how I’d want a westward 7 extension to work

[@mxg75]

For that triple track express to work, I imagine they need to run the empty trains in trains in the low-demand direction at pretty tight intervals to keep rolling stock from accumulating at the in-demand terminus.

[@RMTransit]

For sure, but that’s not any different from a double track line, there’s always a peak direction!

[@nikhillrao3799]

@@RMTransit Is there? Most of the other trunk lines run into the city from both directions

[@gabetalks9275]

You should make a video about ReThinkNYC's proposal to unify all of the local railroads into one unified regional network called RUN. It would be revolutionary for the NYC metro area, yet it's barely getting any media attention. Their proposal also advocates for rebuilding Old Penn Station, and relocating MSG to Herald Square, which would be amazing if it could actually happen.

[@brayand8022]

As soon as you said the the 7 is on par with Japan's Asakusa Line, it was just a grand hit of shock.

[@GojiMet86]

Even as far back as 1915, there were plans of extending the 7 beyond Flushing; one of the Dual Contracts maps showed a possible extension east. In 1917, the Public Service Commission discussed taking over the now-completely-demolished LIRR Whitestone branch. This would have taken the 7 train north through College Point, Malba, and to Whitestone. Then there are the famous IND Second System plans, with branches along the LIRR Port Washington line and a new line along 149th Street to Whitestone and College Point.

[@TG4164]

There were also plans to extend the 7 onto the Port Washington and quad track it. There are even provisions along the Port Washington Line at some point after Flushing

[@vrkoven]

I was unaware of this history. I grew up on the 7 line, but had to take a bus from Whitestone to Flushing to get it; it would have been great to have the subway come all the way out. On a recent trip to NYC I had to take my wife (from Ohio) on the 7 to see Flushing, the most vibrant small town in America's biggest city.

[@avibarr2751]

Every time I visit NY I end up spending hours on the 7, I love it

[@aabattery236]

1:49 stop requested Me imagine driving: stop declined.

[@RMTransit]

Haha, I think you’d be out of a job in short order

[@TheBoiWithUshanka]

Thanks for reviewing this famous NYC train line. While we're on the topic, can you possibly do a review of The 7 Train Project by the Tech Transit Association? Maybe even the Queenslink?

[@Yujin7506]

Line 7 is also my favourite line and it is a line that I must take everytime I go NYC

[@kirillboyko9208]

When I moved to Queens and started taking 7 train to work, I didn't know how lucky I am to live next to one of the best lines. Only after riding other lines outside of Manhattan I understood that the 7 is truly special. Sure there were problems like crowded trains or weekend service, but, overall, it is truly a very reliable and quick way to get around. Thanks, Reece! Great video.

[@TonEd622]

This whole video is ME!!!!! I always loved the 7 line when I lived in NY, and, even after I left, I still loved it!! I like it because of its history, as well as the history I have with it. From going to St Sebastian church with my Grandmother (RIP) and watching the 7 bypass it, to going to the opening of the 34th Street - Hudson Yards station in Manhattan (I still have the small souvenir from this opening with me), this line has always been the most personal to me. I will forever cherish it and hold it close to me. ❤️🟪7️⃣🟪❤️

[@anthonywong7906]

I can say the same. I lived here my whole life, and was (and still am, though in a different sense) obsessed with the subway. I loved to take the express(though nowadays, I almost never, since I always go against rush hour). The biggest thing I can say is that the noise is annoying, and probably worse for those who live right by it. My experience is typically having a train come as I leave the carvel on the same block as Saint Sebastian Church (which is owned by my family), which typically makes you unable to hear anything for the next 5-10 seconds. Back then, I used to compete over it by shouting over the noise, but nowadays, my voice is a little hoarse, and I am more likely on the train than under it.

[@B3Band]

I lived in the Bronx, but I had enough Korean and Chinese girlfriends in high school that I was on the 7 train a lot haha

[@HayleyKiyokoLineBMT]

I hope TSW team should reconsider to make a project of that line Well done RM

[@RMTransit]

TSW? Acronym explainer please lol

[@nyrmetros]

Train Sim World! The 7 would be an awesome DLC for TSW!

[@stevenroshni1228]

One thing that helps the 7 train run better than most NYC subway routes is no interlining. (Don't get me wrong, I think one seat rides are worth it, but feels important to point out).

[@damascus6478]

Thanks for taking me back to my youth! I lived a 20-minute bus ride from Flushing and went to school in lower Manhattan. Every trip started on the 7 train, express skips 10 stops and who needs platform screen doors when you know how to "play the doors," as we called it. You wait for a train to leave Flushing Main Street and note where the doors are and stand there. When the next train comes in you are the first one on. Took the 7 from 1971 to 1974 and then again when I worked in Manhattan from 1987 to 1998. As for the clientele, Google John Rocker of the Atlanta Braves for a fun story and to see why New Yorkers hated him.

[@michaeltajfel]

Why don’t you see brick arch viaducts in North America? They were the norm for railways in urban areas of Britain in the nineteenth century.

[@JohnSmith-jt5qr]

Maybe there's another system that doesn't shutdown late at night, but if it exists, I've never seen it - in the US or overseas.

[@AustinIsTheGreatest]

If they were to extend the 7 past Flushing do you think they would continue underground or make it all elevated after Flushing main street?

[@davidjewood]

Fun fact I took the 7 when I went to Citi Field to watch the Mets.

[@grand.central]

one of eight IRT lines -- don't forget the Shuttle!

[@RMTransit]

Ah yes, very very good point, on tracks that used to connect other lines

[@kinglander144]

6:00 It is actually Time Square on the 7 that is getting platform screen doors in addition to 3rd Ave on the L Train and Jamaica Center - Parsons/Archer Ave on the E.

[@LimitedWard]

The 7 line is great, but we could never build a line like this today because .

[@RMTransit]

We can change that!

[@stevenroshni1228]

the most egregious thing done was the escalators blocking what should be the provision for eastward expand at Flushing Main Street.

[@MichaelfromtheGraves]

I'd love to see videos covering recently completed projects, maybe 5 years after or so. We get so excited before projects open but that quickly dies off within a few weeks. I know measuring impact is extremely complex but I'd at least love to see how much use certain lines and stations are getting.

[@RMTransit]

I try to note when we come across something that is fairly new

[@fonsui]

what is the web service mentioned at around 8:35? i cant quite make out the name, and the word pulled from captions ("Trancy") doesnt come up with anything

[@PabloM201]

Great highlight of my favorite line to work

[@Korail-wx1fy]

I think NYC Line 7 is very similar line to Seoul Subway Line 9. Both lines connects west to east, operates express services and very crowded.

[@RMTransit]

Yeah, but the actual ways the lines operate is quite distinct! Line 9 is more orbital and the express services are bidirectional with passing loops!

[@reptongeek]

@RMTransit Isn't Line 2 the orbital line on Seoul Metro. Line 9 just goes through the middle

[@ninigustini6835]

Love to hear your thoyghts on the Indonesia's first LRT station that just open in Jakarta recently

[@josephonwhidbey]

I lived next to that line for 7 years.

[@alexthemtaandr211weatherfa2]

How ironic

[@qolspony]

Queensboro. Even though the #7 has 11 cars (the most of any subway line, I still find it shorter than the "N" and "W" lines. This is the only place where the IRT merge with the BMT. And is totally separate from other IRT lines. I hope one day they can expand more IRT lines. They are more efficient in getting riders to their destination.

[@trainluvr]

My avatar thinks this is the best video ever.

[@granttiss]

Amazing! We are here to ask for a video on the Tehran metro system!!

[@Shinycelebi]

Pretty sure the comparison of steel and concrete and which is newer is wrong. The line was made this way from the start once they extended the original trolley line.

[@michaellyga4726]

It's not about the money, Spider-Man. It's about the Mets Baby. 7 Train: The Movie

[@llptg1016]

You should do videos on lines with special history from different systems.

[@davidfrischknecht8261]

When you mention other videos that give more detail, you should put links to those videos in the description for those of us who turn off info cards.

[@topliner9534]

To add to the very true things that you said, one of the great things about this train is when it approaches Astoria and Queensboro Plaza, you get a great view of the Manhattan skyline. There is also a lot of fantastic graffiti on some of the buildings around Court Square. And don't forget the Flushing station, which has better and more varied Asian restaurants than any place outside of Hong Kong. You can also get off at 103 St and get amazing central American street food, or 74 St and get Indian food. Then there is the High Line at the Hudson Yards station, and the PS 1 art museum at Court Square.

[@guyfaux3978]

In addition, all the ongoing development along the line in the Court Square and Queensboro Plaza areas has now got the #7 looking almost like the Chicago L.

[@97nelsn]

The 7 has some of the best views in the city and connects to so many great neighborhoods that its like taking a trip around the world without having to leave the US. That said, plenty of its stations, mainly in Queens, needs major renovations from the platform to the stairs, adding elevators, & the elevated structure (tracks and especially the lead paint that needs to be removed). Clearly, that means parts of the line may have to shut down for renovations and replacement transit options should be put in place should this happen (such as a Queens Boulevard LRT & BRT line which needs to happen) but it will lead to a better 7 train experience (as well as extending the line past Flushing to Bayside, adding a stop on 41st & 10th Ave which was removed during construction of the Hudson Yards extension, and the extension into NJ which was proposed yet would require a miracle). EDIT: The 7 would be the perfect candidate for open gangway subway cars being that its a long train, it gets crowded quickly, & for service to major events such as the US Open or Mets games.

[@joermnyc]

During the 34th/Hudson Yards extension project, there was supposed to be a second station built at 10th avenue around 40th-42nd streets (at least those would be the entry locations due to the station depth). Proposed costs were between $450-$550 million just to put in a “station shell” to be built out (and up to the street) later. No money was found, but at the time they claimed “we could build it later.” Interestingly, the proposed station would have lacked both a full mezzanine AND a crossover, so it would be like an older IRT station where if you got on the wrong side, you’d have to go to the next stop to switch back.

[@Transitguy4124]

The 7 line is so unique that it has its own subway cars meant for the lines. Those subway cars are the r188 which half used to be r142a used on the 4 and 6 lines.

[@Transitguy4124]

Well before they replaced the r142a cars on the 6 with r62a cars

[@MatthewHall-e4o]

I'm suddenly wondering if he's actually been to NYC or if he's simply very good at piecing this together from all that one can find online.

[@radagastwiz]

Willets Point will be adding another sports venue soon - the new soccer stadium for NYCFC is under construction.

[@HalianTheProtogen]

What's the name of the website you mention at 8:35? I can't tell what you're saying well enough to search for it. Please put manual captions on this and, as time permits, all of your other videos.

[@katrinabryce]

If I was to pick the best Underground line in London, it would have to be the Victoria Line. If I was to pick the most "London" line, I'd probably go for the Bakerloo.

[@llptg1016]

I wish they run express services on weekends too

[@accooper97]

Love the video, would love a video about the IBX. I know that you were weary in the past because MTA has a tendency to talk a big game of projects and drop it in the middle of the night, but now that we're starting to see enviornmental studies, I'd love to hear what your suggestions are for the line. I know that we would love to see light metro, but what other critiques do you have? Personally, full accessiblity, platform screen doors, and prebuilt connections to the future Utica extension and previsions for an extension past Jackson Heights. Whats your thoughts?

[@RMTransit]

Accessibility should absolutely be a given! The quality of the vehicles could also fall on a wide spectrum, I’d love to see a design that feels less like existing American light rail. I absolutely agrée about the connections, future ones should be provisioned for and existing ones should be as good as possible!

[@trainspottingtech23]

North America is very car-centric, but it has potential! 😉

[@TiagoGomez-hb9te]

No

[@adambuesser6264]

What transit work for suburbs that are to far from a city center? Low density suburbs that are totally car dependent trying to get some kind of transit service to serve these area.

[@gabrielbiyo5008]

You will feel a bit awkward wearing a yankee fitted in a 7 full of people wearing blue and orange on game day😉

[@guyfaux3978]

@RMTransit For the sake of thoroughness, the #7 also connects during the rush hours, at either Vernon-Jackson or Hunter's Point Avenue, to/from the diesel trains to/from Eastern Long Island which can't access Grand Central Madison. Not the easiest transfer, as it requires coming up to street level and walking maybe a hundred meters or so, but the trains you would catch there don't stop at Woodside.

[@CaptainDripp]

Grew Up Riding the 7 Train so a video like this is quite fun to see. Nice analysis on the 7 Line!

[@qolspony]

I use to live in Astoria 1993/2006. And people using the #7 would flood into the "N". The #7 at the time becomes kind of redundant south of Queensboro Plaza. While the "N" dashes down to 59th Street and Lexington Avenue. Than it snakes into Midtown Broadway District and 14th Street Union Square. Although the #7 does provide a superior service when it comes to frequency compare to the "N" and "W". They really can't run at this frequency because, the "R" out of Queens Blvd share tracks with the "N" and "W" line. If only if 59th (really 60th Street long story) was the center point of the Broadway BMT like 57th Street is, than frequency wouldn't be as inadequate for each line.

[@russelljames5631]

The best train is the A train