From a Nickel to a Token

The Journey from Board of Transportation to MTA

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, City Planning & Urban Development, Science & Nature, Technology, Engineering, Reference & Language, Transportation
Cover of the book From a Nickel to a Token by Andrew J. Sparberg, Fordham University Press
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Author: Andrew J. Sparberg ISBN: 9780823261918
Publisher: Fordham University Press Publication: November 3, 2014
Imprint: Empire State Editions Language: English
Author: Andrew J. Sparberg
ISBN: 9780823261918
Publisher: Fordham University Press
Publication: November 3, 2014
Imprint: Empire State Editions
Language: English

A fascinating micro-history of NYC’s subway system from LaGuardia’s public works achievements in 1940 to the creation of the MTA in 1968.

In 1940, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia realized an ambitious plan to modernize the city’s public transit. He eliminated streetcars, demolished old elevated lines, and unified the subway systems. From then on, the IRT, BMT, and IND became one system under public control. And by 1968, that system had transformed again, into the Metropolitan Transit Authority.

From LaGuardia to Lindsay, mayors were desperate to appease voters, elected officials, transit management, and labor leaders. Meanwhile, the tumult of a changing America manifested in labor disputes, economic pressures, and civil rights protests. Though great efforts were made to keep prices down, the sacred nickel fare barrier was eventually broken. By 1968, a ride cost twenty cents.

Featuring many photos never before published, From a Nickel to a Token deftly captures four decades and five boroughs of grit, chaos, egos, and emotions in the unending saga of New York’s subway system.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A fascinating micro-history of NYC’s subway system from LaGuardia’s public works achievements in 1940 to the creation of the MTA in 1968.

In 1940, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia realized an ambitious plan to modernize the city’s public transit. He eliminated streetcars, demolished old elevated lines, and unified the subway systems. From then on, the IRT, BMT, and IND became one system under public control. And by 1968, that system had transformed again, into the Metropolitan Transit Authority.

From LaGuardia to Lindsay, mayors were desperate to appease voters, elected officials, transit management, and labor leaders. Meanwhile, the tumult of a changing America manifested in labor disputes, economic pressures, and civil rights protests. Though great efforts were made to keep prices down, the sacred nickel fare barrier was eventually broken. By 1968, a ride cost twenty cents.

Featuring many photos never before published, From a Nickel to a Token deftly captures four decades and five boroughs of grit, chaos, egos, and emotions in the unending saga of New York’s subway system.

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