The stainless steel R-32 trains had an incredible 6-decade run in NYC transit from 1964 to 2022. Built by the Budd Company, the lighter steel construction made for a more efficient ride, while the shiny fluted exteriors inspired the car’s nickname, the Brightliners. The R-32s served well beyond their expected 35-year service run to become one of the longest operating subway cars in the world and a nostalgic crowd favorite.
The New York Transit Museum will pull a train of R-32 cars out of retirement for a celebratory 60th anniversary trip, beginning and ending at the 96th Street-Second Avenue station in Manhattan, including a turnaround through the Coney Island Yard.
There won’t be an opportunity to disembark in Coney Island; this will be a round-trip ride.
Members enjoy early access! Tickets go on sale to Museum members on Wednesday, August 7th at 10am ET. Remaining tickets go on sale to the public at Friday, August 9th at 10am ET.
Your safety is important to us! Join us in making this a safe and enjoyable day for all:
- Nostalgia Rides run rain or shine. Equipment, route, timing, and duration are subject to change. The ride will last about 90-120 minutes.
- Please stay off the yellow line when waiting for the train in the station.
- Find a seat or a handhold; we are traveling express and may pick up speed throughout the ride.
- Train windows will be open for additional ventilation.
- Please always keep arms inside the train.
- Walking between train cars during the ride is not allowed.
- The first car of the train is a magical place for everyone. Please consider our youngest visitors and allow children to look out the front window.
- Help us preserve these vintage cars for future generations! Do not eat or drink while on board and leave all original elements where they belong.
- Children ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
- Photography and video recording are permitted. However, tripods, stands, selfie sticks, and external lights may not be used. All photographs taken are for personal use only and permission to photograph may be revoked at any time.
- Accessibility: 96th Street-Second Avenue station is ADA accessible. For other accessibility questions, please email access@nytransitmuseum.org
- All ticket sales are final. Should you be unable to attend the program on the date you reserved, the full price of unused tickets may be treated as a donation to the Transit Museum and is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Museum is not able to provide refunds or reschedule reservations to another date.
Questions? Email programs@nytransitmuseum.org.
Attendees assume all risks associated with their participation in a New York Transit Museum offsite program and understand that events in public spaces, including the transit system, take place in locations under conditions largely beyond the control of Transit Museum staff.
After you book your ticket, you will receive two emails. One will be a receipt and the other will include more information about the ride including the meeting location. Please contact us at programs@nytransitmuseum.org if you do not receive both emails.
Members: To receive the member ticket price:
- Sign in above to verify membership.
- Once signed in, enter your desired number of member tickets in the Adult Member/Child Member boxes.
- Click the “Register” button and add your information. The prices on this page will remain the same, and the member’s discount will automatically be applied at checkout on the last page.
- Click the "Add to Cart" button and check out.
Members can buy as many tickets at the member rate as there are people covered by your membership. Contact membership@nytransitmuseum.org with any questions.