October 27, 2024, marks a remarkable milestone in New York City’s history—the 100th anniversary of the New York City Subway. Since its debut in 1904, the subway system has evolved from a single, modest underground line to a sprawling network that moves millions of people daily. As wayfinding designers we celebrate not only the engineering marvel that the subway represents but also its profound impact on the city’s identity, culture, and future.
The Beginning of Urban Mobility
The first subway line, operated by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT), stretched from City Hall to 145th Street in Harlem. At the time, it was seen as a symbol of progress, linking the growing metropolis in a way that streetcars and elevated rail lines couldn’t match. The opening of this underground system was more than a feat of engineering—it was a testament to New York City’s ambition to grow vertically and horizontally, creating a dense, accessible urban core that allowed for unprecedented mobility.
While the system was initially praised for its innovation, it soon became apparent that the subway wasn’t just a convenience—it was a necessity. By the 1920s, the city was expanding at such a rapid pace that the demand for new lines surged, and so did the complexity of managing an underground labyrinth.
The design lessons from this early period are still relevant today. Urban infrastructure has to adapt and expand to meet the evolving needs of its users, something we consider in every wayfinding and urban design project we tackle.
Subway as a Cultural Icon
Over the decades, the subway has become more than just a means of transportation; it has shaped the cultural fabric of New York City. The stations themselves reflect the city’s diversity— from the intricate mosaics at Times Square and the Art Deco design of the Chrysler Building stop, to the modern, sleek stations of the Second Avenue line. Subway stations are like art galleries, reflecting the history, aspirations, and personalities of the communities they serve.
In 2016, Via Collective joined the Enhanced Station Initiative project, working with ARUP, it encompassed 31 stations over all five boroughs. As part of Governor Cuomo’s Enhanced Station Initiative, Via Collective contributed to the five-year, $27 billion MTA Capital Program aimed at renewing 35 subway stations, including Penn Station and Grand Central. Focusing on improving wayfinding and accessibility, the program enhanced station wayfinding and signage to simplify navigation and added digital real-time train updates at entrances.
Collaborating with Arup, Grimshaw Architects, and other firms, the program reduced signage clutter by 35%, coordinated messaging across various disciplines, and integrated signage seamlessly into station architecture, ensuring a smooth flow of information and passengers.
The Subway and Accessibility
In recent years, New York City has made strides in making its subway system more accessible (Credit: MTA) . From elevators to visual and auditory cues, there’s been a growing focus on ensuring that the subway serves everyone—an issue that resonates deeply with us at Via Collective. We have been honored to work on some of these upgrades and continue to advocate for accessibility for all in our work.
Despite progress, the system still faces accessibility challenges, particularly for those with limited mobility. As New York City looks to the future of its subway, addressing these shortcomings will be key to ensuring that this essential urban artery is inclusive for all.
The Subway’s Future
Looking forward, the New York City subway remains at the heart of discussions about sustainable urban development. With initiatives like congestion pricing and the expansion of electric buses, the subway is poised to play an even larger role in reducing the city’s carbon footprint. The system’s ability to adapt and grow, especially as New York continues to be a global leader in environmental and urban policy, will be critical in shaping the future of transportation in the city.
The subway’s continued evolution presents opportunities for innovative design that not only meets today’s needs but anticipates the challenges of tomorrow. Whether it’s improving wayfinding for better commuter flow or incorporating more eco-friendly materials into station redesigns, the future of the subway will depend on creative, forward-thinking design solutions.
Honoring 100 Years of Urban Movement
As we celebrate 100 years of the New York City subway, we reflect on its impact—not just as a transportation network, but as a living, breathing symbol of the city’s pulse. The subway has been a space for innovation, creativity, and community, and it continues to shape the way New Yorkers move, live, and connect.
We are proud to be part of the progress and the conversation of urban mobility. We are honored forward to our continued partnerships that allow us to contribute our expertise to projects that make the subway—and the city—more navigable, accessible, and vibrant for all.
Happy 100th anniversary to the New York City subway! Here’s to many more years of movement and progress.