Many of his patents were later assigned to the major manufacturers of electrical equipment and today Granville’s invention of the Third Rail continues to be used by electric-powered transit systems, including the New York City subway.

By the time of his death in January of 1910, Woods had created more than 15 different inventions used on electric railways and held nearly 60 patents.

Known as the “Black Edison,” Granville T. Woods was a self-educated mechanical and electrical engineer who made subway travel possible when he patented the third-rail system for conducting electric power to railway cars in 1901.

Until 1912, a ferry to Wall Street docked at the base of Montague Street and a street car could be used to reach it. The street car ran until 1924. Today the street dead ends at a small park and then starts back up again on the other side of the BQE for one short block.

The term “straphanger” refers to a person who uses public transportation, particularly subways, and holds onto a hanging strap for support while standing during their ride. This term originated from the early days of subway systems when #NYC trains actually had hanging straps for passengers to grip.

Players spend a blue plastic token on each turn, with the object of the game being to get from home to work and back. They also draw cards which can either help their progress or create obstacles that delay the trip.

Finally, in the late 1990s, East Side Access plans were revived, but a project of this scale is rare in #NYC, and took decades to complete. Grand Central Madison is a major achievement and one of the most massive undertakings in NY's transportation history. Have you visited Grand Central Madison?

Though construction of the 63rd Street Tunnel began in 1969, only its upper level for the subway was completed. The fiscal crisis of 1975 stalled expansion plans for East Side Access indefinitely. This earned the lower portion of the tunnel the nickname “The Tunnel To Nowhere.”

Or give your Valentine a membership to the Museum! Memberships come with a full year of benefits, including free admission to the Museum in Downtown Brooklyn and a 10% discount in our stores. Membership is truly a gift that gives again and again. Learn more at nytransitmuseum.org/membership.

MTA Bridges and Tunnels currently operates seven bridges and two tunnels in #NYC, handling more than 336 million vehicle crossings each year. Narrated by actor Avery Brooks, the film showed the effects of billions of dollars investment into transportation infrastructure in #NYC.