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Best Express runs


Jcb

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This is a thread for the best express runs you've encountered on the subway.

 

For example, one of my favorites is the Hoyt St-Nostrand Av S/B (when the T/O doesn't slow down for the timer).

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(2) and (3) southbound from 96 to 72, 72 to 42, and even 34 to 14 are a great experience. They may not be the fastest runs of all, but you can hit up the upper-40s with a good T/O on some of those sections, and the moderate curves encountered make it a great ride.

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Having operated every express run, the best are (in no particular order) these. Doesn't mean they're the fastest, but the difference between skilled operation and anything else is extremely apparent.

 

A/D from 59 to 125.

A from 59 to 14. Very underrated since you make most of the stops, but a fast run worth mentioning regardless.

B in Brooklyn. One of the fastest expresses around. Much better with a slant 40 though than a 68A.

A in Brooklyn, both directions. Slowed down significantly by timers, but a good T/O or M/M will not take many brakes in this run, even with all the timers. It's possible to clear a lot of them without having to brake a lot.

E/F Roosevelt to Continental.

2/3 in Manhattan, both directions. Bonus points if you get someone on the 3 that can really handle a 62.

4/5 in Manhattan. Great run if you know what you're doing and aren't following a train (the evening is the best time for these lines).

6 from Hunts Point to Parkchester.

7 going into Junction Blvd. both directions.

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Having operated every express run, the best are (in no particular order) these. Doesn't mean they're the fastest, but the difference between skilled operation and anything else is extremely apparent.

 

4/5 in Manhattan. Great run if you know what you're doing and aren't following a train (the evening is the best time for these lines).

Not really an express run but the 4 through Joralemon going Brooklyn bound is exceptional especially if you get the perfect storm" mix of a really good TO who flies all the time and a R142A that really wants to run...Awesome!

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Here is my list

 

(E) and (F) haul ass past woodhaven blvd

(B) and (D) between west 4 st and 34 St Herald square T/O usually ignore the timers. (J) and (Z) myrtle ave to marcy ave when there isin't an (M) in front.

 

Nothing Beats the Brighton express between prospect park and Sheepshead bay R40 slants would haul ass but the R68As are alright.

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CPW Express Northbound

(B)(D) Via 6th Avenue Express Either Way

(2)(3) Express Between 42nd Street and 96th Street

<6> Express in The Bronx

Brighton Express

Northbound (D) Via Concourse Concourse Express from Tremont Avenue To Kingsbridge Road

Express between Jay Street and 7th Avenue on the (F) 

(7) Express Either way.

Between Utica Avenue and Nostrand on the (A) 

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No timers are ignored. The T/O or M/M obviously have been on the line long enough to know when the next signal clears and do it in one shot without applying the brakes at all. It happens on every line.

Yup Most of T/Os on the (B) and (D) are old T/Os that know exactly when exactly when a signal is cleared you will be very lucky if you get an experienced T/O especially if there are no trains ahead of you
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Nothing beats Gun Hill Rd to Bronx Park East going down the middle track. All downhill and no timers!

 

A great run, but that's not entirely true. Haven't done it in a while but IIRC first timer is south end of Pelham Parkway.

Here is my list

 

(E) and (F) haul ass past woodhaven blvd

(B) and (D) between west 4 st and 34 St Herald square T/O usually ignore the timers. (J) and (Z) myrtle ave to marcy ave when there isin't an (M) in front.

 

Nothing Beats the Brighton express between prospect park and Sheepshead bay R40 slants would haul ass but the R68As are alright.

 

There are no timers between 34th and West 4th, or vice versa, on the 6th Ave express so I'm not sure what you're referring to.

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(2) and (3) southbound from 96 to 72, 72 to 42, and even 34 to 14 are a great experience. They may not be the fastest runs of all, but you can hit up the upper-40s with a good T/O on some of those sections, and the moderate curves encountered make it a great ride.

I consider this the best express run period. Also like the <6> express run on the elevated portion, especially when going through the curve out of whitlock ave. The <7> express is pretty good too.

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(2)(3) 42nd to 72nd

(4)(5) 125th to City Hall (Going Downtown, outside rush hours)

(4)(5) 42nd to 59th

(4)(5) City Hall to 14th

<6> Hunts Point to Parkchester

(A)(D) 59th to 125th

(A) Hoyt to Nostrand

(B) Brighton Express (Both Directions)

(E)(F) Roosevelt to Forest Hills

 

Pretty much similar to others that were already mentioned.

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The best expresses, in my opinion, are the IRT expresses. They were built before transit planners started with the consecutive-express-stations nonsense. On a weekday (when frequency is high), I can usually transfer to an express train, and catch up to another local train ahead 3~4 express stations down the line.

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