As more time passes, the bigger the rallies from Occupy Wall Street become and there’s something big brewing for Saturday. Organizers are calling for a day of global action in the run up to a meeting of the world’s 20 biggest economies (the G-20 Summit) in France the following week. That means the chances for civil disobedience in the streets are much higher, similar to other rallies held in Foley Square and by the Brooklyn Bridge. Drivers, be on the look out Saturday for any spontaneous rallies.
The annual spook-fest hits the West Village and Sixth Ave. from Canal to 18th Sts. will be closed from 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Monday for the annual West Village Halloween Parade.
On Sunday, Nov. 6, we have the NYC Marathon and that means gridlock in all five boroughs. Downtown is spared as long as you’re not leaving our little oasis. The biggest closures include First Ave. from 63rd to 135th St., Fifth Ave. from 138th to 90th St., the lower level of the Ed-Koch Queensboro Bridge, the Willis and Madison Ave. bridges, the Verrazano Bridge and Fourth Ave. (Brooklyn). Don’t even think of driving across the Brooklyn or Manhattan bridges and using local streets; the marathon runs just a few blocks east of the bridges.
From the mailbag:
Dear Transit Sam,
My six-year-old son really likes the old C train subway cars because he thinks they run faster than the new ones. His hypothesis is since the old cars make more noise when they run that they must be faster. He has a few questions:
1. Where do the old C train cars end up after they’re retired?
2. Do the old C train cars run faster than the new cars?
3. Are there any events where he could ride the old cars?
Balaji, Lower Manhattan
Dear Balaji,
1. Nowadays when a subway car is retired, they’re scrapped for the steel and other parts. Previously, they were floated out to the Atlantic Ocean and dumped to become haven for fish and plants. That cost quite a bit; now the MTA gets a few bucks for the parts.
2. I’ve wondered that myself when riding the B and D along the Sixth Ave. line between W.4th and W.34th Sts. As a kid, it seemed the trains were flying. They were noisy, swayed and seemed close to leaving the tracks. But, it was an illusion. The newer cars travel just as fast. But, they are quieter and have better suspensions making for a much smoother and less exciting ride for the young kid in me and your son.
3. Your son would love a trip to the NYC Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn (take the 2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall, the R to Court St. or the A, C, F to Jay St/Metro Tech) where he could really dive into and view the history of the city’s subway system. There are old subway cars, turnstiles, uniforms and my favorite, the cushioned seats. Often, there are nostalgia train rides on old trains. Book the next one and you may just find Transit Sam looking out the front window!
Transit Sam
Confused about ever changing traffic regulations and transit operations? Need help navigating around lower Manhattan? If so, send me an e-mail at TransitSam@downtownexpress.com or write to Transit Sam, 611 Broadway, Suite 415, New York, NY 10012
