After a spirited two-week online competition spanning eight rounds, Twitter users have declared Smith-9th Street station as the undisputed champion of New York City’s subway system. This elevated station, known for its breathtaking views and unique structure, emerged victorious in a head-to-head battle against other iconic stops in a poll that captured the hearts and opinions of transit enthusiasts across the city.
In a nail-biting final round, Smith-9th Street narrowly edged out Broadway Junction, securing 51.6% of the nearly 1,600 votes cast. Queensboro Plaza, another strong contender, claimed the third spot in this digital plebiscite that showcased New Yorkers’ deep connection with their subway system.
The engaging contest was the brainchild of Sunny Ng, a Williamsburg-based software engineer and self-professed railfan. Ng, the mind behind popular transit tools like the Weekendest interactive subway map and Subwaydle, launched the poll as a fun way to engage the vibrant online transit community, especially amidst the ever-changing landscape of Twitter under new ownership.
“In the last few weeks people have been leaving Twitter,” Ng explained in an interview with amNewYork Metro. “I figured it’s now or never” to harness the platform for a lighthearted yet decisive vote on a quintessential New York topic: subway stations.
New Yorkers are renowned for their strong opinions, and the prospect of ranking hundreds of subway stations proved to be a captivating challenge. With 472 stations in the sprawling network, Ng ingeniously devised a bracket system, starting with the 200 busiest stations based on ridership data from the week of December 5th receiving an automatic bye. The remaining slots in the 256-station bracket were filled through a qualifying round, setting the stage for intense head-to-head matchups. Ng streamlined the process by treating station complexes with internal transfers, such as 42nd St-Times Square and 42nd St-Port Authority Bus Terminal, as single entities for voting purposes, even though the MTA officially recognizes them as separate stations.
Software engineer Sunny Ng at Smith-9th Street Station
The ensuing rounds witnessed passionate campaigning from railfans and everyday commuters alike. Enthusiasts rallied behind their favorite stations, celebrating victories and lamenting defeats as the competition progressed. Vote counts swelled with each round, demonstrating the high level of engagement, with individual contests attracting hundreds of votes. Notably, major transit hubs like Times Square, Grand Central, Union Square, Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center, and Coney Island, despite their prominence, ultimately fell to the focused support of other stations.
As the tournament narrowed to the final eight round, only Smith-9th Street and Broadway Junction remained, both representing Brooklyn and each boasting dedicated supporters with compelling reasons for their preference.
“I think it’s kind of interesting that the people of New York have such an interesting relationship with the subway system and subway stations, and have different reasons to vote for different stations,” Ng reflected, highlighting the diverse perspectives and attachments New Yorkers have to their transit infrastructure. “And it’s interesting to see why people vote a certain way.”
Smith-9th Street, serving the F and G lines in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, holds the distinction of being the world’s tallest elevated metro station. Soaring approximately 9 stories above the Gowanus Canal, Smith-9th Street station offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the surrounding cityscape, making it a unique landmark within the transit system. Its striking vantage point and architectural design likely contributed to its popularity in the poll.
Smith-9th Street Station winning against Broadway Junction
Broadway Junction, located in East New York, served as the formidable runner-up. This major transfer hub connects the A, C, J, L, and Z lines, encompassing both underground and elevated sections. Situated adjacent to a train yard in an industrial area, Broadway Junction is favored by some for its raw, utilitarian aesthetic and the opportunity it provides to witness the intricate workings of the subway system.
Throughout the Twitter tournament, votes were cast based on a wide array of criteria. Station architecture, ease of navigation, proximity to home, and personal experiences all played a role in influencing voters’ choices. The diverse reasons behind each vote underscored the personal and multifaceted relationship New Yorkers have with their subway stations.
When asked for his thoughts on the poll’s outcome, MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber humorously declined to choose a favorite, stating at a recent news conference in the Bronx, “472 children, we love all of them. They’re all great stations, and really, I defer to the wise men and women of Twitter to decide which is the #1 station.” Lieber’s lighthearted response acknowledged the fun and engaging nature of the Twitter poll while emphasizing the MTA’s commitment to all stations within the system.
This Twitter poll, while informal, provides a fascinating glimpse into New Yorkers’ preferences and their deep connection to the city’s subway system. The crowning of Smith-9th Street as the favorite station highlights the diverse factors that contribute to a station’s appeal, ranging from practical considerations to aesthetic appreciation and unique features.
