Rahul Somvanshi
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is bringing back a piece of New York City’s transit history for baseball fans. The vintage “Redbird” subway cars will make a special appearance at Citi Field for the New York Mets’ 2025 home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, April 4.
These beloved red subway cars, retired in the early 2000s, will run from 34 St-Hudson Yards to Citi Field, departing at approximately 12:00 p.m. on opening day. The nostalgic train will make several stops along the way, including Times Square, Grand Central, and Queensboro Plaza, before arriving at Mets-Willets Point station.
“There is no better way to get to a Citi Field full of fans on Opening Day to see Juan Soto lead the Mets against Toronto than public transit,” said NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow.
The Redbirds have deep roots in New York City’s history. They first entered service in 1959, three years before the Mets franchise was established. The fleet included various car types (R26, R28, R29, R33, and R36), all painted in their distinctive deep red color. For decades, these cars were a familiar sight throughout the subway system, particularly on the IRT lines including the 7 line that serves Citi Field.
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This special service offers fans a “once-in-a-season” opportunity to ride to Citi Field in style aboard a Redbird train. The vintage train ride takes about 35 minutes from Manhattan to the stadium, giving fans plenty of time before the 3:10 p.m. first pitch.
Beyond the special Redbird service, the MTA reminds fans that public transit remains the fastest and most environmentally friendly way to reach Citi Field throughout the season. The Long Island Rail Road provides direct service to Mets-Willets Point station via the Port Washington Branch, just 19 minutes from Penn Station. Fans from other Long Island branches can transfer at Woodside, less than ten minutes from the stadium.
Metro-North customers can now connect more easily through Grand Central Madison, making it possible to reach the stadium in about 30 minutes after arrival in Manhattan. Regular 7 train service, both local and express, and the Q48 bus also provide convenient access to the ballpark.
For fans needing accessible transit options, Access-A-Ride paratransit service offers a designated stop at Citi Field located at 41 Seaver Way (126 St and 37 Av), south of the Bullpen Gate in the Passenger Loading Zone (second cut out) directly in front of the AMWAY awning.
The return of the Redbirds represents more than just a transportation option – it’s a chance for longtime New Yorkers to revisit a nostalgic piece of the city’s transit heritage while introducing younger generations to these iconic subway cars that were once a daily fixture in city life.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Redbird subway cars run to Citi Field?
The vintage Redbird subway cars will run on Friday, April 4, 2025, for the Mets’ home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays. The train will depart from 34 St-Hudson Yards at approximately 12:00 p.m., arriving at Mets-Willets Point with plenty of time before the 3:10 p.m. first pitch.
What are Redbird subway cars and why are they significant?
Redbird subway cars are vintage New York City subway cars (models R26, R28, R29, R33, and R36) that were painted in a distinctive deep red color. They began service in 1959 and were a mainstay of NYC transit for over four decades before retirement in the early 2000s. They’re culturally significant as they represent an important era in New York City’s transit history and evoke nostalgia for many longtime New Yorkers.
Do I need a special ticket to ride the Redbird train?
The MTA has not specified whether special tickets will be required for the Redbird train. Based on previous nostalgic train services, regular MetroCard fares likely apply, but it’s recommended to check the MTA website closer to the event date for any specific ticketing instructions or potential reservation requirements.
What stops will the Redbird train make between Manhattan and Citi Field?
The Redbird train will depart from 34 St-Hudson Yards and make stops at Times Sq-42 St, 5 Av, Grand Central-42 St, Vernon Blvd-Jackson Av, Hunters Point Av, Court Sq, Queensboro Plaza, 61 St-Woodside, Junction Blvd, and then Mets-Willets Point. The entire journey takes about 35 minutes.
What alternative transportation options are available to get to Citi Field?
Besides the special Redbird service, fans can reach Citi Field via:
- Regular 7 train service (both local and express)
- Long Island Rail Road to Mets-Willets Point station (19 minutes from Penn Station)
- Metro-North to Grand Central with connections to LIRR or the 7 train
- Q48 bus service
- Access-A-Ride paratransit service with a designated stop at 41 Seaver Way
Is this the first time the MTA has run vintage trains for special events?
No, this is not the first time. The MTA has previously run nostalgic train services for special occasions. According to the source information, Redbird trains were last used for a Mets home opener in 2018. The MTA occasionally operates vintage trains from its historical collection for holidays, special events, and anniversaries as part of its commitment to preserving New York City’s transit heritage.
