Subway Mystery Unraveled
It looks like a mystery involving subway signs has finally been cleared up.
The MTA’s subway trains haven’t used some designations in years, which brings up an interesting point.
Recent images circulating on social media have shown trains displaying lines that include numbers nine and thirteen, which are no longer in service.
The MTA confirmed that a change was made to the “roll sign” used on trains, but there’s some confusion about who was behind it—whether it was MTA staff or perhaps just some creative pranksters. Some online users have even shared guides on how to change these signs.
An MTA official commented that these are standard trains with what seems like temporary signs that might have been displayed by mistake. Crews are advised to verify sign accuracy before the trains depart.
A representative from the New York Transit Museum noted that the signs seen on social media may have just been scrolled past the correct number. Experts, however, expressed uncertainty about whether these signs were recently altered or just an odd coincidence.
Tampering with these MTA signs can lead to fines starting at $50, but it seems that some folks in New York City are taking it all in stride, aware of the playful antics surrounding subway culture.
One social media user remarked on the excitement of spotting a “9 train,” noting its viral appeal in a recent post from Manhattan in June.
Meanwhile, some observers argue that this isn’t a new situation at all. One commentator shared a video demonstrating how to modify the roll sign.
Experts have a theory on why unused routes like lines 10 through 13 might still appear as options. According to Jodi Shapiro, curator of the New York Transit Museum, it’s likely that these service designations were included back when the roll signs were made, allowing for future route expansions.
In fact, roll signs from the former IRT series, which includes numbers like 1, 2, and 3, displayed lines like green 8 or 10, and red 13—suggesting a design structure designed for possible growth.
This shouldn’t be confused with the BMT line on the old elevated routes, which adds another layer of historical depth. Shapiro also pointed out that certain numbers exist because the MTA might want to consider new service designs in the future.
For some New Yorkers, seeing the signs meant for the now-defunct Red Express 9 line—operating from 1989 to 2005—evokes a sense of nostalgia. The nine train, which ran from Van Cortlandt Park to South Ferry, has quite a history, being used for shuttle services since the 1940s.
A user commented that encountering that sign felt like stepping back in time.
On the flip side, others expressed satisfaction with the line’s absence. One person remarked that the memories associated with the 9 train were inspiring but also expressed contentment that it hasn’t been around for a long time.
