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The Race Underground: Boston, New York, and the Incredible Rivalry That Built America's First Subway
The Race Underground: Boston, New York, and the Incredible Rivalry That Built America's First Subway | Doug Most
2 posts | 3 read | 5 to read
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megt
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Pickpick

A look at the paths leading to the development of subways in Boston & NYC. Glad I opted for audio as it's a bit dry in parts. As a MA native, I was admittedly more intrigued by the Boston portion of the narrative. Sitting at my desk at work, literally on top of the history being discussed, was a little surreal, but also pretty awesome.

Fun fact for those who have experienced rush hour at Park Street in the comments. ⬇️

megt On the inaugural day of the Boston subway - granted, a very small loop then - management was horrified about passengers waiting on the platform at Park Street for more than a minute for a train. I can only imagine what they would say now! 🤣 7y
Texreader When planned right, kept clean, safe, and efficient, underground transportation is awesome. I haven't done the NYC subway in 30 years but it was downright scary back then. So riding DC's metro was quite an improvement (at least 20 years ago when I rode it daily to work and nightly to the museums and libraries. Loved it.). London's Tube was good too. Time to go to Boston to give it a try! 7y
Bookcation74 Hahaha I'm going to think of that Park Street story when trying to get home tonight! 7y
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BostonBookAddict Hahaha Park St is the worst! If they were horrified by the wait, I can't imagine they would be happy with how packed the cars actually get. Maybe the MBTA should read this book :-) 7y
megt @Texreader I don't think the Boston subway will be winning any awards for efficiency or cleanliness anytime soon! It's not totally filthy, but it could probably be a little cleaner. I've never used a subway system in another city so I don't have anything to compare it to. But for all its quirks it - usually - gets you where you need to go! 7y
megt @Bookcation74 luckily Park Street isn't usually part of my commute, but I've waited there for what seemed like never ending stretches of time more than I want to remember! 7y
megt @BostonBookAddict haha, definitely! They were also so proud then of how clean their stations were and how they didn't smell. Oh how times have changed! 7y
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collegecate
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References to the "majestic spire" of Park Street church were clearly made before that high rise was built behind it.