There are 24 separate train lines that make up the New York City subway system. Each line has a corresponding name and color for identification purposes.
The fare for a ride on the New York City Subway is $2.25. Riders 65 years of age or older and people with disabilities qualify for reduced fare and pay $1.10 per ride. Additionally, up to three children 44 inches tall or less may ride for free when accompanied by a fare paying adult.
A MetroCard allows passengers an unlimited number of subway rides. A 1-Day Fun Pass can be purchased for $ 8.25 and a 7-Day Pass for $27. A 14-Day Pass costs $ 51.50, and a 30-Day Pass is $89. Those qualifying for reduced fare pay half.
Boasting 468 operating stations and 229 miles of routes, the New York City subway is one of the largest systems in the world. In 2008, its ridership totaled 1,623,881,369 people. The New York City subway operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The first official New York City subway opened on October 27, 1904. It consisted of one line serving 28 stations from City Hall to 145th Street along Broadway. Service expanded to the Bronx in 1905, to Brooklyn in 1908 and to Queens in 1915.
