(Initial disclaimer: I'm not claiming that this is 100% realistic or plausible. I simply think it would be interesting to have a discussion about some of these ideas I have about what could have been, and perhaps discuss other ideas. If a moderator feels this should be combined with the proposals thread, then it can be moved, but considering that these are not really "proposals" and that they are far more nuanced and detailed than most proposals, I felt it was deserving of its own thread.)
MAP LINKS:
IRT Expansions [( 2 ), ( 3 ), and ( 5 )]
Triborough RX [(X), with (L) and (K)]
14th Street Line [(L), (M), and (Y)]
Bushwick/Jamaica Lines [(J), (K), (P), (M), (Z)]
2nd Avenue and Branches [(H), (Q), (T), (U) and (V)]
Queens Blvd Expansions [(E), (F), and ( R )]
So, the simple premise here is, what if Robert Moses (or someone in his position) was pro-transit instead of pro-highway? What if the IND (and the TA later) got state and/or federal funding for many of their planned expansions? What kind of system would we have today? That is the idea behind this.
I've drawn on the plans of the IND second system (taking parts from both the 1929 and 1939 plans), other planned lines and extensions that have been proposed by others in similar compilations, and some of my own unique ideas.
Because there are quite a few things to list, I will provide just the basic list of routes and their "normal" terminals in the thread below. Detailed information can be found in the master document above and linked here, which includes the following:
- Full service guide (2016)
Full service guide (1989, pre-Manhattan Bridge closure)COMING SOON, hopefully.- Yard roster for each yard (surprisingly, most of these plans would likely only necessitate expansions to the current yard we have and no outright new ones)
- Trains per hour for each time of day, per line
- Track configuration listings for new lines
- Plans for service during the Manhattan Bridge closure
- Alternate historical events which explain the construction of this expanded subway
Lines:
My future plans with this is to create a unique subway map similar to vanshookenraggen's maps, showing all of the lines clearly with annotations discussing the new lines and changes. I'm still working on figuring out GIMP so I can actually do this, and I still do need to get a blank NYC template. (If anyone has one that is workable, I would appreciate it if you posted it or PM'd it to me). For now, I've mapped some of the changes and new branches in Google Maps so you can view them. The links are above.
Long post, I know. Hopefully this fosters some discussion. I'm open to changing things if people suggest good ideas. (Even though I am not intending this to be 100% realistic, I want this to still feel semi-plausible, so I won't accept anything really out there like a subway to Suffolk County or the to Astoria.)