John R. Ross

Reminiscin’ on them glory days when the R62/R62A/R68 and R68A first touched down on the property like kings comin’ home 🔥 Grippin’ them controls, operatin’ the LAST of that raw SMEE equipment—straight classic steel, no cap, pure tunnel thunder 🚇💨 Motors hummin’, brakes singin’ that old-school symphony, every run felt like history in motion. But like The Notorious B.I.G. preached it loud: “Things Done Changed.” Now it’s all fancy inverters, touchscreen, and quiet rides… but we know the truth. We had the real ones. The last warriors of the line. Respect to the iron that raised us. @stefanoschen @nytimes @MTANewsroom @MTA @Colin_d_m @the_transit_guy @GovKathyHochul @MarkLevineNYC @NYCMayor @NYCMayorsOffice @StreetsblogNYC @gregmocker @MichelleKaske

Significant advancements have been realized over time, largely attributable to the acquisition of new subway cars. We are now transitioning into a new era with the implementation of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC). While the B Division has aggressively expanded its adoption, the A Division is now poised to follow suit, notwithstanding the #7 line's existing operational CBTC system. @NYCTSubway @Colin_d_m @stefanoschen

Big news: @MTA & @GovKathyHochul today announced RFP from rail car manufacturers for the largest subway car contract in history. It would replace up to 2,390 cars on the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 trains. (That's more cars than the Chicago & Massachusetts Transit Authorities combined.)

A lot has improved over the years thanks to these new subway car purchases. We’re now stepping into the future with Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC). The B Division has been expanding aggressively with it, and the A Division is finally getting its turn—though the #7 line already has it in service. @NYCTSubway @nytimes

“This is the largest ever order of subway cars in our history,” Lieber said. “More than 2,300 subway cars total…We are, in this one procurement, going to replace roughly a third of the entire MTA subway fleet.” amny.com/news/mta-reque…

A lot has improved over the years thanks to these new subway car purchases. We’re now stepping into the future with Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC). The B Division has been expanding aggressively with it, and the A Division is finally getting its turn—though the #7 line already has it in service. Imagine the Lexington Avenue line running 90 seconds headways. @NYCTSubway @stefanoschen @nytimes @Colin_d_m @the_transit_guy @StreetsblogNYC @MichelleKaske @business @WSJ @gregmocker

While it's exciting that the MTA is ordering new trains, there is no excuse not to buy all of them as walk-through (open-gangway) cars. Walk-through cars are the standard worldwide: they're not only higher capacity, but safer.

Behold Williamsburg. @6sqft #OneDominoSquare #WilliamsBridge @NYCTSubway @SubwayCreatures @Colin_d_m @the_transit_guy @GOTHICRICH @gregmocker

@Estarkmiller Out with the old and in with the new! I'm thrilled to be a major part of the transportation industry. 🥳 #Transportation #Industry @nytimes @stefanoschen @gregmocker

MTA Chair Janno Lieber in the agency’s sunset park testing facility this AM announcing an RFP for its largest order of new subway cars ever. The 2,300 new cars will replace most of the A Division trains — the numbered lines.

The Hollis @LIRR station should be renamed the "Run-DMC and Jam Master Jay" station. These legendary pioneers of Hip-Hop culture established Hollis, Queens as a prominent location, demonstrating that dedication and education can lead to significant achievements. @defjam @stefanoschen @nytimes @VibeMagazine @bfurnas @Colin_d_m @the_transit_guy @jimmykimmel @QnsBPRichards @NYCMayor @viewingnyc @NYCMayorsOffice @GovKathyHochul

@AmtrakNewEra More than a decade after Superstorm Sandy flooded them, we're finally rebuilding the tunnels. @Amtrak @LIRR @NJTRANSIT @MetroNorth

We've moved from demo mode to railroad mode on the East River Tunnel Rehab Project! New benchwalls: Done. New tracks: Installing. New systems: Powering up. This tunnel's getting a whole new life, starting with the first tube set to debut in July. amtraknewera.com/news/ert-winte…

The Interborough Express would serve as a valuable connector. My initial proposals advocated for a comprehensive revitalization of the @LIRR Bay Ridge Branch, integrating it into the @LIRR Mainline Branch to facilitate service to both @MoynihanTrains and Grand Central Madison stations. This was envisioned alongside the original Triboro RX (@MetroNorth) proposals, extending Bronx services to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Brooklyn and Queens require a robust railroad system capable of meeting current demands and fostering community development. Just think that @Amtrak could bring Northeast Corridor services too. @stefanoschen @nytimes @bfurnas @Colin_d_m @the_transit_guy @MarkLevineNYC @NYCMayor @GovKathyHochul ny1.com/share/nyc/all-…

The IBX, a proposed transit line linking Brooklyn and Queens, will have an impact far beyond the neighborhoods it travels through. As the NYC's first orbital transit line, the project will shift travel patterns across subway network.

The IND was built specifically to accommodate a larger capacity of passengers. If properly utilized, this would be essential for passengers to wait until their train arrives. It is much safer than waiting on the platform. The @NYCTSubway countdown clock should be positioned not only by the fare control area but in such locations. They should also provide capacity information on the arriving train(s) like the @LIRR.

i really like the mezzanines on subway platforms. the whole system is liminal obviously, it transit, but mezzanines are DOUBLE liminal. transitional zones between transitional zones! no one waiting for anything, not even an entrance to the surface, just a weird tunnel to nowhere

@Arya_898 Happy Birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁 🎊

I am pleased with the advancements facilitated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. A key consideration is that President @JoeBiden has not yet been extended an invitation for the inaugural journey. I am looking forward to hearing an update once the Portal Bridge project has reached full completion. @stefanoschen @nytimes @GovSherrillNJ @GovKathyHochul @Colin_d_m @the_transit_guy @NJTRANSIT @Amtrak nytimes.com/2026/03/15/nyr…

The #7 train line (@NYCTSubway) offers a scenic route for both commuters and employees, traversing various urban landscapes within New York City. This journey provides views of Long Island City, including the Midday Storage Yard utilized by the Long Island Rail Road @LIRR. @stefanoschen @nytimes @Colin_d_m @the_transit_guy @MarkLevineNYC

Queens, NY.

@Jassmini2 Congratulations

DON'T PASS BY WITHOUT SAYING CONGRATULATIONS 👏👏

I am proposing infrastructure enhancements at the East New York LIRR station @LIRR, specifically the integration of an overpass featuring both elevator and staircase access. As a pivotal transit hub within Brooklyn's City Terminal Zone, this station is instrumental in facilitating daily commutes for both residents and visitors. However, the current absence of essential accessibility features, such as elevators or ramps, significantly restricts equitable access for individuals with mobility impairments, senior citizens, and those transporting luggage or strollers. This should be a joint ventures with @NYC_DOT & @MTA @stefanoschen @nytimes @MTANewsroom @the_transit_guy @NYCMayor @Colin_d_m @NYCMayorsOffice @GovKathyHochul

@MetroNorth is no joke. This is why it shouldn't just go to @MoynihanTrains; it should be the original Triboro RX to Bay Ridge, via the @LIRR Bay Ridge Branch with @LIRR included in Brooklyn and Queens, with @Amtrak to operate on this new corridor. My proposal from 2019 before the thought of the IBX. @stefanoschen @nytimes ny1.com/share/nyc/all-…

These two trains can move the capacity of 30 minutes of a single freeway lane at peak hour.

The #7 train is the undisputed beast of the @NYCTSubway! Thanks to CBTC, it can crush peak-hour headways down to 90 seconds, (it was doing that when we were running the Red Birds) keeping NYC moving like clockwork. Dubbed the International Express, it's basically the United Nations on rails—diverse crowds from every corner of the globe. It's your ultimate connector to sports paradise: @Mets games at Citi Field, select @newyorkcityfc matches coming, and the thrills of the @usopen. Oh, and now with the new Hard Rock Casino at Metropolitan Park right next door. Queens wins big! 🚇⚾🎾 This is my line!!! @stefanoschen @nytimes

This is why it’s good to live on the @MTA 7-line. Good service at all times!!

Track cleaning is absolutely essential, not only for averting catastrophic fires, deterring disease-carrying rodents, and eliminating life-threatening tripping hazards for personnel, but also for ensuring overall operational safety, regulatory compliance, and long-term infrastructure integrity. @MTANewsroom @NYCTSubway @stefanoschen @nytimes @dmtrubman @Colin_d_m @bfurnas @the_transit_guy @n_laguardia

@the_transit_guy, I don't understand the @MTA's logic on my original proposals to revitalize the @LIRR Bay Ridge Branch. @CSX owns the Fremont Secondary Railroad from Fresh Pond Junction to the Hell Gate Bridge. It's suitable for a commuter railroads, Triboro RX (@MetroNorth) and @LIRR #BrooklynEast There's no room for a light rail system. @CSX and @Amtrak could greatly benefit from a Class One Railroad. @PeteButtigieg knows the potential of this. New York needs this. @stefanoschen, @nytimes @MarkLevineNYC @NYCMayor @NYCMayorsOffice @GovKathyHochul

@MarkLevineNYC @bfurnas @NYCCouncil I am truly enjoying the transformation of Downtown Brooklyn. I believe the addition of another Olympia DUMBO building would be a wonderful enhancement. I find its design to be exceptionally impressive.

Big News: @nyccouncil today approved what will be one of the largest residential buildings in the nation. 395 Flatbush Ave Ext in Downtown Brooklyn will no long be an (ugly) low-rise. It will become a tower with 1,200 homes, 25% of which will be permanently affordable. Made possible by NYC's new high-density zoning rules. Start of a new era. We need much more of this.