As a retired motorman MTA ‘B’-division whom operated consists on the IND ‘F’ line ; the express tracks were designed and infrastructure built for the Staten Island connection via Fort Hamilton Parkway. This is why there are express tracks to Church ave but unfortunately because of the Great Depression and Second World War further infrastructure under Fort Hamilton Parkway and the tube under the narrows was never built !
Bergen Street lower, like 42nd Street lower, was built as part of a plan for service that wasn’t completely thought out. I think it was unused for about 35 years after the station opened in 1933 and then it was only in regular use until 1976.
I recall when that station was still in use. The moisture is playing havoc on the steel columns. The MTA might want to look at that before there's a structural failure. Maybe they've already calculated how many decades it would take for a column to fail and have decided to let it go until the day before that happens.
The amount of moisture at this station has caused problems before. In 1999, water shorted out wires in a signal relay room causing a fire. It resulted in the closure of the entire station for months while repairs were made. Furthermore, trains had to operate at slow speeds with extreme caution which meant delays were inevitable. It's insane how the MTA still isn't doing anything about the moisture.
@@chronicillz1879 Probably through unlabeled metal doors (I'm not sure, I'm just guessing) but I do NOT recommend going down there without permission (the fire from 1999 unstabilized the platforms, I believe).
Used to live on dahill & 38 st. Took the f to Manhattan from ditmas in the 70s. Was a quicker trip bc it would run on the express tracks stopping at 7th Ave & bergen st only utilizing the lower level Station.
+ Mr. Bluebirds It's also a shame that several MILES of track presently go totally unused as far as actual service is concerned; the amount of unused track in the NYC subway system is more than twice what LA has in active service!
No it does not, there' not enough trains where re need to reopen this level. The Peak Hour F trains straight up carry a decent bit of air on them, that' why only 2 of them get sets out per rush hour.
I hope that this lower level platform needs to be renovated. Get rid of the graffiti, put new tiles on the wall, add some lighting and it will look better than it usually were.
Did you know that this station was known for customers waiting in stairwells to find out whether the next train to Manhattan arrives on the local track or the express track? Too bad the station didn’t have any screens to tell customers where the next train arrives.
That sound at 02:19! 🔊❤🔥 Either somebody's shipped some Parisian MP-89 trains to the MTA by mistake, or the F-line has received replacements from Alsthom since I last rode it. Either way, I hear Onix traction. I _definitely_ approve! 😁🇫🇷👍
Im frm Red Hook!! In wen I wuz younger ive been on a train dat went str8 through all tha way to 7th avenue. Veri different experience. In I wuz always curious to say they stopped using dat express station. Kool video tho. I love it🫡🤴🏿💯
The lower level is abandoned but the tracks are still active. The rush-hour F express uses them.
I was JUST about to ask if any trains use them since the tracks seem to be in good condition.
That's good to know; this means that that express F train also uses the express tracks under Prospect Park....(?)
As a retired motorman MTA ‘B’-division whom operated consists on the IND ‘F’ line ; the express tracks were designed and infrastructure built for the Staten Island connection via Fort Hamilton Parkway. This is why there are express tracks to Church ave but unfortunately because of the Great Depression and Second World War further infrastructure under Fort Hamilton Parkway and the tube under the narrows was never built !
So a tunnel to Staten Island was actually in the works? They should definitely reconsider that.
We can ALL blame Robert Moses for that!
Bergen Street lower, like 42nd Street lower, was built as part of a plan for service that wasn’t completely thought out. I think it was unused for about 35 years after the station opened in 1933 and then it was only in regular use until 1976.
I recall when that station was still in use. The moisture is playing havoc on the steel columns. The MTA might want to look at that before there's a structural failure. Maybe they've already calculated how many decades it would take for a column to fail and have decided to let it go until the day before that happens.
The amount of moisture at this station has caused problems before. In 1999, water shorted out wires in a signal relay room causing a fire. It resulted in the closure of the entire station for months while repairs were made. Furthermore, trains had to operate at slow speeds with extreme caution which meant delays were inevitable. It's insane how the MTA still isn't doing anything about the moisture.
Why spend money on maintaining the system properly when those at the top, politicians, can dabble in those funds for their personal luxuries?
@@metropolitanelevators how do u get down there?
@@chronicillz1879 Probably through unlabeled metal doors (I'm not sure, I'm just guessing) but I do NOT recommend going down there without permission (the fire from 1999 unstabilized the platforms, I believe).
They shot Jacob’s Ladder (1990) at this station where Tim Robbins awakes on train with ghosts.
Used to live on dahill & 38 st. Took the f to Manhattan from ditmas in the 70s. Was a quicker trip bc it would run on the express tracks stopping at 7th Ave & bergen st only utilizing the lower level Station.
Great video!
Seems like such a waste that they don't use these platforms.
They can't. Rerouted trains used to stop there after but after a fire in 1999 unstabilized the platforms, they cannot stop there anymore.
@@cor1upted The platforms are made of concrete, how can that be unstabilized?
@@luisdomenech539 I don’t know, that’s what I heard
+ Mr. Bluebirds It's also a shame that several MILES of track presently go totally unused as far as actual service is concerned; the amount of unused track in the NYC subway system is more than twice what LA has in active service!
This level needs to be restored and put back in service.
With what money? The billions given to welfare, addicts, homeless, and illegals?
@@henryt9281No,with the money taken directly from highway projects.
No it does not, there' not enough trains where re need to reopen this level. The Peak Hour F trains straight up carry a decent bit of air on them, that' why only 2 of them get sets out per rush hour.
How did you get in
is this the one from jacobs ladder?
Yes!
Does anyone know how to get to the station?
I hope that this lower level platform needs to be renovated. Get rid of the graffiti, put new tiles on the wall, add some lighting and it will look better than it usually were.
Can you explore Grand Central
How do you get there?
Via giant metal doors on active F platforms
Did you know that this station was known for customers waiting in stairwells to find out whether the next train to Manhattan arrives on the local track or the express track? Too bad the station didn’t have any screens to tell customers where the next train arrives.
How do you know how to open the metal doors?
u just press the bar like any other door lol
There are no trains coming in the lower level.
Also MTA should have kept the Bergen Street Lower Level.
@@TheConcietedSure there are; they just don't stop there.
Bergen Street Lower Level is closed due to the station's 65 year old wires has been exposed by a water leak.
i wish i could have gotten the chance to go before they closed it up
How do you get into the lower level station?
Unfortunately, I cannot say how to get to the lower level. Besides, it's more fun to explore and find your own way in. :)
Just walk down the ramp from carrol st… you welcome
There’s a double steel door in the middle of the station. Maybe he got in the same way he got out through it.
@@VianoMusicAcademy It’s locked from the outside.
@@FreeroamDomain fk they locked it?
This was COOL 👍🏾
How yall were allowed to get down there. Yall work for Transit?
nah we're trespassers :)
@@metropolitanelevators 😂😂😂
That sound at 02:19! 🔊❤🔥
Either somebody's shipped some Parisian MP-89 trains to the MTA by mistake, or the F-line has received replacements from Alsthom since I last rode it.
Either way, I hear Onix traction. I _definitely_ approve! 😁🇫🇷👍
Alstom*
@@TheTransitFox13 ...Since 1998. 😉
@@dieseldragon6756 Yessir!
Cool graffiti
Im frm Red Hook!! In wen I wuz younger ive been on a train dat went str8 through all tha way to 7th avenue. Veri different experience. In I wuz always curious to say they stopped using dat express station. Kool video tho. I love it🫡🤴🏿💯
When you were younger? Judging by the way you write I'd say you're about 8 or 9 years old now?
@@luisdomenech539 Lol It’s All Love Nefew🤴🏿💯
Salute