We traveled to Brooklyn yesterday via New York Public Transit and will be here for a week. Inside the subway, I was reminded of our recent visit to the Museum of New York Transit. From the museum pictures, it felt as if not much had changed in the past century.
The NYC transit system, which began construction in 1900, is one of the oldest and most extensive in the world. It has played a crucial role in the city's growth and development, holding significant historical and cultural value. However, its age means much of the infrastructure is outdated and in dire need of substantial repairs and modernization.
My Korean student mentioned that many of her colleagues were shocked when they first experienced the NYC subway. They expected a modern infrastructure in a wealthy city like New York. In fact, many public transit systems in China are far more advanced compared to New York's.
According to my research, the world’s oldest metro system is the London Underground, which opened in 1863. The world’s longest metro network is the Beijing Subway, spanning 815.2 kilometers (506.5 miles). The world’s busiest metro system is the Shanghai Metro, with 2.83 billion annual trips.
The cost of maintaining and upgrading the NYC subway system is enormous, requiring strong government funding. My Korean student once asked why the wealthiest city in the world doesn't have the resources to modernize its subway system. I explained that it's a matter of prioritization.
Currently, New York City is grappling with more pressing issues than upgrading its infrastructure, such as the housing crisis, homelessness, high crime, and the need to provide shelter and food for a large number of migrants in recent years.
In the hustle and bustle of New York, with numerous visitors from around the world, the subway remains a vital lifeline for millions. It’s literally a living museum, carrying strong echoes of the past while navigating the challenges of the present.
As we ride these historic century-old relics, not without fear of their collapse, it’s a reminder that progress often comes at a cost. The future of the city’s transit will depend on how well the past can serve future passengers and how long it can run without meeting its end. When the system finally reaches its breaking point, it will undoubtedly become a top priority in NYC's budget.