They're called "open gangway subway cars" and NYC will be beta testing them faster than you can shout, "You're IT!" They're silvery sleek, and oh so chic. It's about time NYC caught up with the Paris' Metro of 1975. There and then, buying a ticket to ride meant pressing buttons on a map for your location and destination, sans parlez-vous français. http://secondavenuesagas.com/2016/07/19/open-gangways-redesigned-subway-cars-headline-cuomos-announcement-work-progress/ How I recall the 50's, as in 1950's (thank you!) riding subway cars with rattan seats. When you plunked yourself down, the springs yawned back. It wasn't hard to imagine that my 19th century grandfather had plenty of work as a "chair seater" in Manhattan. And, those rattan seats weren't as hot and sticky as their plastic replacements. When you didn't want to ride backwards, you just flipped the seat back over. The downside was broken rattan poking you in parts unmentionable. Barb [email protected]