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Interborough Rapid Transit Company facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
W58th St IRT power jeh
An outside view of the power station at 11th Avenue and West 59th Street, Manhattan.

The Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) was a very important company in New York City's history. It was the first company to operate the original underground New York City Subway line. This first subway line opened way back in 1904. The IRT also ran other early railway and rapid transit lines in the city.

The city of New York City bought the company in June 1940. Today, the lines that used to belong to the IRT are still a big part of the subway system. They are known as the A Division or IRT Division. These are the numbered lines you see on the subway map today.

IRT Subway Lines

The following subway lines were once part of the IRT system. They are now part of the MTA's IRT Division:

  • Line 1: Seventh Avenue Local
  • Line 2: Seventh Avenue Express
  • Line 3: Seventh Avenue Express
  • Line 4: Lexington Avenue Express
  • Line 5: Lexington Avenue Express
  • Line 6: Lexington Avenue Local
  • Line 7: Flushing Express and Local
  • Line S: 42nd Street Shuttle


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