The inaugural ride marks the completion of Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway, providing service from 96th Street to 63rd Street. Trains will run every six minutes during peak hours starting January 1, 2017, and will run from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the rest of the first week. Overnight service will begin on Monday, January 9.
Before the train left the 96th Street Station, the Governor greeted passengers and thanked local residents and business owners.
“This is Governor Cuomo, but rest assured, I am not driving the train,” said the Governor. “Happy New Year to everyone. Let's give a big round of applause to all the MTA people that got this subway going. They got it done faster. They got it on-time and on budget.”
“As you're on the inaugural ride, this is exciting,” continued Governor Cuomo. “It's a great way to start the New Year in New York. And let this be one of many successes and a healthy and a happy new year to all of you. We deserve it. We need it, and I believe we're going to have it in 2017.”