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Culture & Lifestyle • Transportation

New York City Subway

The New York City Subway is a rapid transit system serving four of New York City’s five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The New York City Subway is a rapid transit system serving four of New York City’s five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. It is operated by New York City Transit, an affiliate of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and is known for 24-hour service and one of the largest station networks in the world.

History

The first line of the New York City Subway opened on October 27, 1904. The current system grew through the consolidation of formerly separate transit networks into a single rapid transit system.

Network and operations

The subway includes 22 lines and 3 shuttle services, with 472 stations across four boroughs. It is a 24-hour system with frequent service patterns that vary by time of day.

Ownership and management

The subway is owned by the government of New York City and leased to the New York City Transit Authority, which operates it as part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority system.

Role in the city

The subway is a major public transportation system for residents and visitors, connecting much of New York City’s urban core and serving as a central part of daily mobility.

Key facts

  • The New York City Subway serves Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, but not Staten Island.
  • The first subway line opened on October 27, 1904.
  • The system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • It has 472 stations and multiple numbered, lettered, and shuttle services.
  • The subway is owned by New York City and leased to the New York City Transit Authority under the MTA.

Frequently asked questions

What is the New York City Subway?
It is New York City’s rapid transit system, serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
When did it open?
The first subway line opened on October 27, 1904.
Who operates it?
It is operated by New York City Transit, an affiliate of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
Does it run 24 hours a day?
Yes. The New York City Subway operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Which borough does it not serve?
It does not serve Staten Island.

References

  1. Metropolitan Transportation Authority — https://www.mta.info/guides/riding-the-subway
    Supports: Stations count, track length, 24/7 service, fare, and operator context.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_Subway
    Supports: Basic description, boroughs served, and ownership/lease structure.
  3. UrbanRail.net — https://www.urbanrail.net/am/nyrk/new-york.htm
    Supports: Network size, lines, stations, and service frequency overview.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_Subway_stations
    Supports: Boroughs served, daily ridership context, and system formation from merged legacy systems.