From a Nickel to a Token: The Journey from Board of Transportation to MTA

by Andrew J. Sparberg

Streetcars "are as dead as sailing ships," said Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia in a radio speech, two days before Madison Avenue's streetcars yielded to buses. LaGuardia was determined to eliminate streetcars, demolish pre-1900 elevated lines, and unify the subway system, a goal that became reality in 1940 when the separate IRT, BMT, and IND became one giant system under full public control.

In this fascinating micro-history of New York's transit system, Andrew Sparberg examines twenty specific events between 1940 and 1968, book ended by subway unification and the MTA's creation. From a Nickel to a Token depicts a potpourri of well-remembered, partially forgotten, and totally obscure happenings drawn from the historical tapestry of New York mass transit. Sparberg deftly captures five boroughs of grit, chaos, and emotion grappling with a massive and unwieldy transit system.

During these decades, the system morphed into today's familiar network. The public sector absorbed most private surface lines operating within the five boroughs, and buses completely replaced streetcars. Elevated lines were demolished, replaced by subways or, along Manhattan's Third Avenue, not at all. Beyond the unification of the IND, IRT, and BMT, strategic track connections were built between lines to allow a more flexible and unified operation. The oldest subway routes received much needed rehabilitation. Thousands of new subway cars and buses were purchased. The sacred nickel fare barrier was broken, and by 1968 a ride cost twenty cents.

From LaGuardia to Lindsay, mayors devoted much energy to solving transit problems, keeping fares low, and appeasing voters, fellow elected officials, transit management, and labor leaders. Simultaneously, American society was experiencing tumultuous times, manifested by labor disputes, economic pressures, and civil rights protests.

Featuring many photos never before published, From a Nickel to a Token is a historical trip back in time to a multitude of important events.

Genres: Transport

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2014

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very informative read, there were many things that I, an 11 year worker of New York City Transit, had no idea about (who knew there was a Jamaica Estates 50 cent football special in 1961!) This book goes into much detail on the changes that occurred with the NYC Subway (and also surface) systems between 1940 and 1968, which mostly consisted of trying to modernize the operations. It also has many great photos.

Keep in mind this book was written for the hardcore railfan and history buff, and someone with a more general interest is going to feel overwhelmed.

[Anonymouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love books about trains and train travel and this little, intense book about the development of surface transport in Manhattan and the boroughs is a treat EXCEPT that I am not from New York and I don't know the various travel routes in this book. More maps would greatly improve the presentation.

I especially like the title.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.

[Avi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting history of the messy unification of all of the disparate transportation systems of NY into one unified, government-run, system.

[John Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read a free copy through the NYPL and Project Muse. Enjoyed this history.