Take the Train: Confessions of a G-Train Devotee

Transportopia host Rick L'Amie rides the G and 7 with his daughter Lauren as she describes life as a longtime New York City transit rider. They discuss the quirky G train jog, seasonal shutdowns, and the city’s 24-hour subway that makes car-free living possible.

Lauren reflects on moving from Austin, selling her car, and how transit shapes daily life — from schlepping furniture on the train to mourning the MetroCard as the system moves to OMNY. She also dispels myths about subway safety and urges newcomers: take the train.

SHOW NOTES — REFERENCES & LINKS

The MTA — mta.info (official site, all NYC subway info)

The G train service page the notorious service change closings for 2026— https://www.mta.info/article/service-changes-g-line-2026

OMNY (tap-to-pay) — omny.info (MTA’s contactless fare system)

End of the MetroCard — https://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-partners-iconic-culinary-vendors-celebrate-end-of-metrocard (MTA’s official MetroCard sunset announcement*)

New York City Transit Museum — nytransitmuseum.org (the place to go for token, MetroCard, and subway history)

Austin, Texas

Capital Metro (Cap Metro) — capmetro.org (Austin’s public transit agency)

Cap MetroRail Red Line — capmetro.org/rail (the commuter rail line referenced in the episode)