Loading Page...

Why is NYC subway so noisy?

The NYC subway system is 70 to 100-year old railroad technology that's been 'shoved' underground, with tunnel and walls good for reflecting and amplifying noise, especially the high frequency screeching of out of true steel wheels with worn flat spots.



People Also Ask

Roughness and irregularities on the wheel and rail surfaces are a source of noise and vibration. Rail joints and squats on the rail cause a familiar clickety-clack sound as train wheels roll over them.

MORE DETAILS

South Ferry is the loudest station in an already ear-crushing subway system, with trains rumbling out at 111 decibels — as loud as a rock concert — according to a Post survey. Doctors say listening to such volume for one minute could result in permanent hearing damage.

MORE DETAILS

I never leave home without it.} Don't feel paranoid or embarrassed because you decide to cab it or leave the subway station. On the flip side, don't feel that the New York subway is “sketchy” because it's underground and smells bad. In most cases, the subway is a safer mode of transportation than driving.

MORE DETAILS

This spring's survey crowned the L train as New Yorkers' favorite, although it still only attracts a 53% satisfaction rating.

MORE DETAILS

An estimated 100 people died in the Malbone Street Brooklyn Rapid Transit disaster. Here's how the tragedy changed public transportation in America. At 6:14 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 1, 1918, hundreds of weary New Yorkers boarded a Brooklyn Rapid Transit train at Park Row in Lower Manhattan for the ride home to Brooklyn.

MORE DETAILS

Tokyo subway has more than 3.1 billion riders each year. According to the Guinness World Records, Shinjuku is the busiest subway station in the world with about 3.64 million passengers every day.

MORE DETAILS

There are several reasons why NYC trains may be slow: 1. Aging infrastructure: The subway system in New York City is one of the oldest in the world, with some lines dating back to the early 20th century. The aging infrastructure can lead to delays and slower train speeds.

MORE DETAILS

Central Park at Night is often considered a dangerous and not safe New York place. In fact, Central Park in NYC is closed to the public from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. Visiting Central Park in New York after dark or outside the opening hours is highly discouraged, even if you love to go running in the evening.

MORE DETAILS

Subway water tunnels are built approximately 30 feet below the riverbed.

MORE DETAILS