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My subway thrilling experience à la ‘The Taking of Pelham 123’
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When in comes to living in NYC, many of us, take things for granted. The morning rush hour traffic, the inaccurate weather updates and yellow cabs lining up along Times Square. The subway trains, however, are one method of transportation that everyone can certainly count on – timeliness and expedience – in a day-to-day basis even though opinions might differ from time-to-time.
I recently got to experience New York City in a different way – a real treat and just in time when I was thinking there was nothing exciting about this city anymore. The escapade à la ‘The Taking of Pelham 123’ took me to places that I knew about – from certain city legends – but have never been given access to. Thanks to the MTA and Sony studios a group of selected online writers were taken for a ride – literately – to explore the subterranean life of NYC.
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It all began with a ride on the 6 train along the Lexington Avenue subway line – and at first with a very obscure idea were the final stop was going to be – in keeping with the theme of the film; the sense of mystery was rather exciting. After a few, and recognizable stops – the end of the line was at one of the oldest and first subway stations built on the east side; City Hall which is aptly called due to its near location above ground. The station now closed to the public still remains one of the iconic places within the NYC subway architecture – complete with its mosaic works and window skylights - that was once the hub of the subway cars. The location is also connected to the film – as one prominent figure from City Hall – is one of the characters running along in ‘The Taking of Pelham 123’.
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From then on the expedition went on to dark and hidden places below the subway stations. One of them was known as the “Wine Cellar” – a cavernous space that connects the initial steps of the Brooklyn Bridge to the Manhattan. And the name comes from the fact that a famous wine maker used to keep champagne and rose wines stored down below - due its cool climate and access. Who knew all of this ever existed below ground level? But the gracious MTA officers were not done yet. The darkest and dustiest places were yet to be uncovered – just like in any thrilling film escape – the best was saved for last. And just below Chamber Street a small subway station hidden away from plain view was bare with old rail tracks – no longer in use either – that were once the easy access for subway cars to switch stations and directions within the city and Brooklyn Bridge.
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The mesmerizing tour – attached with the film experience of ‘The Taking of Pelham 123’ – was a breathtaking occurrence for this sarcastic New Yorker. I have a completely different outlook in the subway system, the MTA and can definitely say I would never look at another train ride the same – which in turn might be the same feeling many people would have after watching ‘The Taking of Pelham 123’ this weekend. Now, to write the film review and get back on the 6 train – yet again for a third time today.
For more info: MTA's Official Site
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