The end of the Third Avenue El

An interesting 1955 newsreel about the last ride of the Third Avenue elevated train in Manhattan.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• third
• avenue
• el
• elevated
• trains
• new
• york
• mass
• transit

[BobR1955]

I wasn't around when the Third Avenue El was running, but for a taste of what it was like, go to Jackson Heights and stand under the elevated tracks there. They block out the sunlight and the noise is deafening whenever a train goes by. I understand perfectly why they were in a hurry to tear it down, but it was poor planning to not have underground trains ready to replace it.

[BobR1955]

Glad you enjoyed it! There used to be elevated lines running on several east-side avenues, but they were demolished in anticipation of the second avenue subway being built. Alas, it never happened. That's why the Lexington Ave. line is so crowded. I understand that another attempt to build the second avenue subway is being made. Long overdue!

[BigKatz]

This newsreel seems like propaganda. There's no talk of replacing it, just how crapped out it was. Who paid for this, the highway lobby? It probably was pretty noisy though, right outside tenement bedrooms all night and day. It's been 53 years and no 2nd Ave line

[joni2691]

If I got on the "time machine" now I would get off on May 12th 1955, pay 15cents & ride the 3rd Ave El completely from Park Row to White Plains Road & back looking thru the front car window. That would be ......priceless!!!!

[therealrightisleft]

@joni2691 I know what you mean. I live in Queens and love riding the J & Z into the City because it is mostly outdoors.

[awaseniu]

I used footage from this public domain film, and another film to create a video on the Third Avenue El. You can see it on my channel.

[signorgelato]

Could you imagine the carrying-on the MTA would be doing today about running all the extra lines that were torn down. The fare would probably be about $3.75 currently if these were still around.  The3 comment must be made though how the far east and west side avenues in Manhattan are underserved by interborough rail connection as the buses are frozen in traffic crawl...they shouldn't have touched the trolleys!

[pspmerr]

We could have use Third Avenue E in today's NYC -_-

[Carlos7Matute]

what a mistake it was to dismantle it...

[greensliverblue]

BOY! iwould have liked to ride that SUCKER!!

[randomsource]

although one could detect the bias again rapid transit, this was a great film (just turn off the commentary). Living in Mott Haven, i got to see te 3rd ave el still operate in the 50's and60's between Bruckner Blvd and Gun Hill Rd. Towards the end of the 50's they tore down (that was sad watching them cut the girders) the run from Bruckner Blvd to 149th st, although they left the disconnected station at 143rd near Alexander Ave. until the city demolished it for the Mott Haven Projects.

[intercityrailpal]

@scoutandscooter Yes, old out of date EL's are. But if they use steel and rubber wheels like PCC streetcars, San Francisco called them "Magic Carpets" Or were like today's modern light rail systems. (New York one of the largest cities in the world doesn't have one! What does that tell you?) 50 cities are expanding them and building or planning them. It's not because people don't like them!