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Subway

Subway may refer to:
  • Subway (rail transport), an underground or elevated rapid transit system
  • Subway (fast-food restaurant chain), an American multinational fast food restaurant franchise that primarily sells submarine sandwiches and salads. It was founded in 1965 and, as of 2025, operates nearly 37,000 locations in more than 100 countries.
  • Subway (pedestrian underpass), a passage for pedestrians under a road or railway
  • Subway, various uses in entertainment and media, such as films, music, and video games

Rail transport

Definition and terminology

A subway, in the context of , refers to a designed for high-capacity urban passenger movement, typically operating on dedicated tracks that are predominantly , elevated, or at-grade but fully grade-separated from other . These s utilize electric-powered running on fixed guideways, providing frequent with short headways to accommodate large volumes of commuters in metropolitan areas. Key characteristics include exclusive rights-of-way to ensure high speeds and safety, multiple interconnected lines forming a network, and stations equipped with high-level platforms for efficient boarding and alighting. The term "subway" originates from early 19th-century English, combining "sub-" (meaning under) and "way" (a passage or path), initially denoting any underground conduit for pedestrians, pipes, or utilities as early as 1825. By the late 19th century, it evolved to specifically describe underground electric railways in urban settings, first applied to such systems in the United States around 1895, reflecting a preference for a more refined term over "underground railroad." Terminology for these systems varies regionally: "subway" is predominantly used in North America, as in the ; "metro" is common in Europe, , and much of , derived from the " métropolitain" () and exemplified by the ; while "underground" or "tube" refers to London's system. Globally, "metro" has become a widely adopted for similar networks in over cities. Subways, or heavy rail systems, are distinguished from light rail, commuter rail, and trams by their higher capacity, faster operating speeds (often exceeding 50 mph), and fully grade-separated infrastructure that prevents interactions with road traffic or freight. Light rail and trams typically feature lighter vehicles, lower speeds, shared street-level rights-of-way, and moderate capacity for shorter urban routes, while commuter rail serves longer regional distances on shared mainline tracks with lower frequency and diesel or electric locomotives.

History

The development of subway systems traces its roots to 19th-century innovations aimed at alleviating urban congestion in rapidly industrializing cities. Early precursors included experimental pneumatic tube systems, such as Alfred Beach's 1870 demonstration in New York City, which used compressed air to propel a single car through a short tunnel beneath Broadway, showcasing the potential for underground passenger transport despite its limited scale. Cable-hauled underground railways also emerged, with the Glasgow Subway opening in 1896 as one of the first circular systems powered by cables, though it faced reliability issues and was later electrified. These experiments paved the way for more practical solutions, culminating in the world's first electric subway: the City and South London Railway, which began operations on December 4, 1890, under the London Underground, using electric locomotives to connect Stockwell to King William Street over 1.25 miles of deep-level tube. This marked a pivotal shift from steam-powered surface lines, like London's Metropolitan Railway opened in 1863, to cleaner, more efficient electric traction suitable for enclosed tunnels. Key milestones in the early 20th century highlighted the subway's role in urban expansion. In the United States, the Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) launched New York City's first major subway line on October 27, 1904, stretching 9 miles from City Hall to 145th Street with 28 stations, revolutionizing commuter access and serving over 150,000 passengers on its opening day. Europe saw steady growth post-World War I, as reconstruction efforts funded extensions in cities like Paris, where the Métro added multiple lines in the 1920s to accommodate population surges, and Berlin, whose U-Bahn network expanded to over 80 miles by the 1930s despite wartime disruptions. In Asia, Tokyo's subway era began with the Ginza Line opening on December 30, 1927, as the continent's first underground railway, initially spanning 2.4 km between Asakusa and Ueno to ease surface traffic. World War I and II profoundly influenced development: the conflicts diverted funding and materials, halting projects like New York's Second Avenue Subway and damaging existing infrastructure through bombings, but post-war recovery spurred booms, with urbanization driving investments to support growing metropolis populations. Technological advancements further transformed from the mid-20th century onward. The to full , completed in most systems by , improved and by eliminating steam's and maintenance demands, enabling deeper and longer tunnels. Automated operations emerged in the late 20th century, with Vancouver's debuting on December 11, 1985, as one of the world's first fully driverless systems, using linear for precise over 19 miles of elevated and in preparation for 86. Post-World War II experienced explosive , particularly in , where expanded from 50 km in 1950 to over 200 km by the 1970s amid economic miracles and the 1964 Olympics, while South Korea's Seoul Metro followed suit starting in 1974. By 2025, subways operate in nearly 200 cities worldwide, reflecting their global proliferation driven by urbanization and sustainability goals. China's networks exemplify this surge: Beijing Subway, operational since 1969, grew from 23 km to 879 km across 29 lines by 2025, surpassing all others through state-backed investments that added hundreds of kilometers annually since the 2000s to combat traffic and pollution. Recent decades have emphasized environmental benefits, with subways promoted for reducing carbon emissions—systems like London's, which carries over 3 million passengers daily as of 2024, offsetting equivalent road vehicle trips—as cities integrate them into green urban planning amid climate concerns.

Design and operations

Subway systems are engineered with robust infrastructure to ensure reliable underground or elevated rail transport in urban environments. Tunnels form the core of most subway networks, constructed using either cut-and-cover methods for shallower depths, where earth is excavated and a cover is built over the open trench, or bored tunneling with tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for deeper alignments to minimize surface disruption. Stations typically feature island platforms, which allow passengers to board from both sides for bidirectional service and facilitate cross-platform transfers, or side platforms for simpler single-direction setups, with designs varying by city to optimize flow and space. Tracks predominantly adhere to the standard gauge of 1,435 mm (4 ft 8½ in), enabling compatibility with global manufacturing standards and reducing costs for rolling stock procurement. Electrification is achieved primarily through third-rail systems, which supply power via a conductor rail at track level for compact urban tunnels, though overhead catenary wires are used in some elevated or less confined sections to avoid interference. Train technology in subways emphasizes durability, efficiency, and automation to handle high volumes. Rolling stock often consists of stainless steel cars, valued for their corrosion resistance and low maintenance in humid underground conditions, as seen in fleets like New York's R160 series. Automation levels follow the Grades of Automation (GoA) framework, ranging from GoA1 (driverless train operation with manual starting) to GoA4 (fully unattended operation without onboard staff), with systems like Paris Métro Line 14 achieving GoA4 for enhanced reliability. Passenger capacity can reach up to 80,000 passengers per hour per direction in densely loaded networks, such as Tokyo's Tozai Line, supported by articulated train sets and optimized door configurations. Operational protocols prioritize precision and passenger throughput. Signaling systems traditionally rely on fixed-block methods, dividing tracks into segments enforced by signals to prevent collisions, but modern implementations increasingly adopt Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), which uses moving blocks and real-time data for dynamic spacing and reduced headways. Scheduling during peak hours maintains headways of 2-5 minutes, allowing systems like the London Underground to transport millions daily with minimal delays. Fare collection has evolved to contactless smart cards, such as the U.S.'s MetroCard or Europe's EMV-compliant systems, and mobile apps enabling tap-and-go payments via NFC technology for seamless entry. Safety and accessibility are integral to subway design, mitigating risks inherent to enclosed environments. Emergency ventilation systems extract smoke and toxic gases during incidents, often integrated with platform screen doors to contain hazards, while fire suppression includes automatic sprinklers and non-combustible materials in tunnels. Accessibility complies with standards like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), featuring elevators, escalators, and tactile paving for visually impaired navigation, ensuring equitable access across stations. Grade separation—keeping tracks away from street traffic—contributes to low accident rates, with U.S. subway systems reporting fatality rates under 0.1 per billion passenger-miles, far below surface rail. Contemporary subway operations face challenges in for growing populations while advancing . Capacity expansions involve lines with platforms or additional signaling to increase throughput, as in ongoing projects like New York's extension. with other modes includes dedicated at stations and shared mobility apps linking to bike-share programs, enhancing in cities like . efforts incorporate energy-efficient LED to reduce by up to % compared to incandescents and regenerative systems that recapture during deceleration, feeding it back to the grid for overall gains of 20-30%.

Fast-food restaurant chain

Founding and expansion

Subway was founded in 1965 by 17-year-old Fred DeLuca and nuclear physicist Peter Buck, who provided a $1,000 loan to open the first location as Pete's Super Submarines in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with the goal of funding DeLuca's college education. The partners renamed the business Pete's Subway in 1968 to simplify branding and reflect their submarine-style sandwiches. By 1974, Subway shifted to a franchising model, opening its first franchise in Wallingford, Connecticut, which enabled rapid domestic growth and reached the milestone of 1,000 stores by 1987. The chain's international expansion began in the 1980s, with the first overseas location opening in Bahrain in 1984, marking Subway's entry into global markets. This push continued aggressively, leading to over 20,000 U.S. locations by 2010 and establishing Subway as the largest single-brand restaurant chain worldwide at the time. A pivotal milestone came in 2008 with the launch of the $5 Footlong promotion, which significantly boosted sales—generating $3.8 billion in U.S. revenue that year alone—and elevated Subway to one of the top 10 fast-food brands by volume. As of 2025, Subway operates more than 37,000 locations across over 100 countries, adapting menus to local preferences such as offering halal-certified options in the Middle East to meet cultural and dietary needs. The company's business strategy emphasizes low startup costs for franchises—typically ranging from $100,000 to $342,000 in initial investment, including a $15,000 franchise fee—and a focus on fresh, customizable ingredients to attract health-conscious consumers. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic during the 2020s, Subway accelerated adaptations like adding drive-thru windows and enhancing digital ordering to support franchise resilience and guest convenience. Subway is owned by Doctor's Associates Inc., the private holding company established by DeLuca and Buck. Following DeLuca's death in 2015, leadership transitioned to his sister Suzanne Greco as president, and later to CEO John Chidsey in 2020, who oversaw strategic revamps including the eventual sale of the company in 2023 for $9.6 billion to Roark Capital. Co-founder Buck passed away in 2021, bequeathing his 50% stake to the Peter and Carmen Lucia Buck Foundation.

Menu and business model

Subway's menu centers on customizable submarine sandwiches, known as "subs," available in 6-inch and 12-inch "footlong" sizes, featuring a selection of breads such as 9-Grain Wheat, Italian White, and Flatbread, along with proteins like turkey, ham, roast beef, tuna, and chicken; cheeses including American and provolone; and fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and green peppers, topped with sauces such as mayo, ranch, or sweet onion. In addition to subs, the menu includes salads and wraps that adapt the same build-your-own format, sides like Lay's chips and cookies, and drink options such as bottled Pepsi products. The chain's signature "build-your-own" model allows customers to personalize their orders by selecting ingredients at the counter, with staff freshly slicing vegetables and assembling items to emphasize freshness, a core aspect of its branding. Nutritional information is transparently provided for all items, supporting choices like lower-calorie options that have been promoted since the introduction of the Fresh Fit menu in 2007, which highlights subs under 400 calories, such as the 6-inch Oven Roasted Turkey Breast at 270 calories with 20 grams of protein. Subway operates primarily as a franchise-based , with an of per and ongoing royalties of 8% of gross , a 4.5% , low entry barriers compared to other fast-food chains. Average prices for a 6-inch sub range from $5 to $7, while footlongs typically cost $9 to $12, contributing to systemwide U.S. of approximately $10 billion in 2024 and global annual revenue exceeding $16 billion in the 2020s. To ensure consistency across its global network of over 37,000 locations, Subway employs a centralized supply chain that sources ingredients uniformly from approved suppliers, including a 2019 partnership with Beyond Meat to introduce plant-based options like the Beyond Meatball Marinara sub, catering to growing demand for vegetarian alternatives. Marketing efforts revolve around the longstanding "Eat Fresh" slogan, launched in the early 2000s to underscore fresh ingredients and healthy eating, complemented by digital innovations like the Subway app for ordering and the MVP Rewards loyalty program, introduced in the 2010s and relaunched in 2024, which awards 10 points per dollar spent redeemable for Subway Cash.

Controversies and current status

Subway has encountered several health-related controversies centered on its ingredients and nutritional claims. In 2014, the chain faced public backlash after food activist Vani Hari launched a petition highlighting the use of azodicarbonamide, a chemical also found in yoga mats, as a dough conditioner in its bread; Subway subsequently removed the ingredient from its recipe globally in response to consumer pressure. A more significant legal challenge arose in 2021 when a class-action lawsuit filed by Karen Dhanowa in California alleged that Subway's tuna products contained no actual tuna, claiming instead a mixture of other ingredients that misrepresented the product; the case was dismissed in 2023 after testing failed to substantiate the claims, though it damaged the brand's reputation for transparency. Additionally, Subway's long-standing marketing as a healthier fast-food option has drawn criticism, including from a 2013 UCLA study finding that adolescent meals at Subway averaged nearly as many calories as those at McDonald's. In September 2025, the chain reintroduced its Fresh Fit menu featuring four protein-packed sandwiches under 500 calories each, each with a full serving of vegetables, to emphasize lower-calorie choices. Labor and franchisee issues have also plagued Subway throughout the 2020s, exacerbating operational challenges. The U.S. Department of Labor has pursued multiple enforcement actions against Subway franchisees for wage violations, including a January 2025 consent judgment recovering over $63,000 in back wages and damages from a Massachusetts franchisee for willful failures to pay minimum wage and overtime to workers at six locations, along with $4,000 in penalties. Franchisees have voiced widespread complaints about declining profitability amid rising costs for ingredients, labor, and remodels, leading to significant closures; for instance, the chain shuttered a net 631 U.S. locations in 2024 alone, contributing to over 1,600 domestic closures since 2022, often leaving workers unpaid and sparking lawsuits like a March 2025 case in Los Angeles where a decade-long employee sought over $50,000 for alleged wage theft. These tensions have fueled campaigns for better corporate support, with franchisees highlighting inadequate assistance during economic pressures and abrupt store shutdowns, such as the July 2025 closure of three North Carolina locations that left employees without final paychecks. As of 2025, Subway operates under the ownership of Roark Capital, which acquired the chain in a deal announced in August 2023 and completed in April 2024, aiming to revitalize the brand through operational efficiencies and growth initiatives. Menu innovations include the launch of the Subway Series in July 2022, a lineup of 12 pre-designed signature sandwiches ordered by name or number to streamline customization and boost appeal. Digital sales have seen robust growth, with a 21.8% increase in North America in early 2024 contributing to double-digit global gains, now accounting for approximately 20% of total revenue amid enhanced app and online ordering features. The global store count has stabilized at around 37,000 locations despite economic pressures and ongoing U.S. closures, reflecting a focus on international expansion to offset domestic declines. On the environmental front, Subway has committed to reducing its footprint through packaging reforms, striving to make 100% of its packaging recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable while increasing recycled content in paper and plastic materials across its supply chain. The chain's broader sustainability efforts emphasize responsible sourcing and waste reduction, though specific 2030 targets remain aligned with general ambitions to minimize environmental impact without quantified milestones publicly detailed. Globally, Subway has adapted to geopolitical shifts, including suspending operations in Russia in March 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine and fully exiting the market in September 2024 due to expired licensing rights, with former franchises rebranded as "Subjoy" or similar names in 2025. In contrast, the chain is aggressively expanding in Asia, opening over 250 new stores in China since June 2023 with plans for nearly 4,000 more under a renewed franchise agreement, adding 100 locations in India in 2024 alone, and entering Mongolia with its first store in July 2024 via a master franchise deal, underscoring a pivot toward high-growth emerging markets.

Pedestrian underpass

Definition and regional variations

A pedestrian underpass, commonly referred to as a subway in certain regions, is a grade-separated underground passageway designed primarily for pedestrians and cyclists to cross beneath roads, railways, or other obstacles, thereby eliminating conflicts with surface-level traffic and enhancing safety. These structures may also accommodate utilities such as cables or pipes in some designs, but their core function prioritizes non-motorized human movement to facilitate urban connectivity without interrupting vehicular flow. Pedestrian underpasses originated in the 19th century amid urbanization and the of and networks, serving as a of to separate paths from increasing horse-drawn and early vehicular for improved in dense cities. By the late 1800s, examples like the in demonstrated early for subterranean routes, though initially under rivers; this evolved into widespread for and crossings as cities prioritized . Terminology and usage of "subway" for pedestrian underpasses vary significantly by region, reflecting linguistic and cultural differences in urban infrastructure nomenclature. In the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, "subway" exclusively denotes an underground pedestrian crossing, distinct from rail systems, as seen in London's extensive network of such passages beneath busy roads. In the United States, the term is less common and often replaced by "underpass" or "pedestrian tunnel," with subways more typically associated with rail transit, leading to potential confusion for international visitors. In Asian contexts, such as Hong Kong or Singapore, pedestrian subways are frequently integrated with metro stations and multi-level urban walkways, blending them into broader public transport ecosystems for seamless connectivity. Design of pedestrian underpasses emphasizes durability, safety, and user comfort, typically featuring reinforced concrete construction to withstand environmental stresses and vandalism, with textured surfaces or glazed tiles for aesthetic and maintenance appeal. Lighting is a critical element, designed to replicate natural daylight through high-illumination LED systems compliant with standards like those in Australia, often supplemented by light wells in longer spans to reduce feelings of enclosure and improve visibility. Accessibility is prioritized with features such as ramps or elevators alongside stairs, minimum clear widths of 4.5 meters for shared pedestrian-cyclist paths, and ceiling heights of at least 3 meters; typical lengths range from 35 to 180 meters, depending on the obstacle crossed, ensuring direct and intuitive routes. While new constructions of pedestrian underpasses declined in the late 20th century in favor of overpasses and bridges—due to perceptions of easier maintenance and less disruption to underground utilities—recent trends in the 2020s reflect a revival driven by inclusive design principles. This resurgence focuses on accommodating wheelchairs, bicycles, and mobility aids through gentler gradients (no steeper than 1:12), tactile paving for the visually impaired, and vandal-resistant materials, as evidenced by projects like those in Scottsdale, Arizona, enhancing trail connectivity without surface crossings. Urban planners now emphasize these features to promote equitable access in high-traffic areas, countering earlier biases toward elevated structures.

Usage and examples

Pedestrian underpasses, also known as subways, are integrated into urban environments in high-pedestrian areas to minimize jaywalking and enhance safety by separating foot traffic from vehicular paths. In New York City's Central Park, multiple underpasses allow pedestrians to cross transverse roads without interrupting traffic flow, reducing collision risks in this densely visited green space. Similarly, Birmingham, UK, features an extensive network of 52 pedestrian subways constructed as part of the city's Inner Ring Road in the 1970s, facilitating safe passage beneath busy arterial routes in the central business district. Notable examples illustrate the historical and functional role of these structures. The Greenwich Foot Tunnel in London, opened in 1902, provides a 370-meter pedestrian link beneath the River Thames, connecting Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs and accommodating approximately 4,000 users daily for commuting and tourism. In Sydney, Australia, the pedestrian subway system includes over 20 underpasses, such as Wynyard Walk, an underground thoroughfare linking Wynyard Station to Barangaroo that supports daily foot traffic in the central business district. While some historical underpasses draw inspiration from subterranean infrastructure like Paris's catacombs for their engineering, modern iterations prioritize functionality, such as Birmingham's Livery Street subway, recently revitalized with murals to improve user experience. Contemporary applications often blend underpasses with cultural or commercial elements to boost utilization. Toronto's PATH network, the world's largest underground pedestrian system spanning over 30 kilometers, has seen extensions incorporating retail spaces and public art, connecting office towers, transit hubs, and entertainment venues in the downtown core. However, safety issues persist, including vandalism and perceptions of isolation, prompting upgrades like CCTV installations in underpasses during the 2010s; for instance, Hatfield, UK's underpasses received surveillance in 2023 to deter crime and enhance user confidence. Globally, thousands of pedestrian underpasses exist, though many remain underutilized in automobile-dependent cities due to preferences for at-grade crossings. As of 2025, trends emphasize transforming these spaces with improved lighting and materials for environmental and aesthetic benefits; Nairobi's Green Park Underpass, 97% complete as of October 2025, exemplifies modern pedestrian infrastructure projects. Compared to footbridges, pedestrian subways may pose challenges in flood-prone regions due to risks of water ingress and temporary closures during heavy rainfall, whereas footbridges provide elevation above flood levels for continued access.

Entertainment and media

Films

The 1985 French film Subway, directed by Luc Besson, centers on Fred (Christopher Lambert), a safecracker who, after burglarizing the home of a wealthy industrialist and stealing compromising documents, flees into the labyrinthine Paris Métro to evade pursuit. There, he encounters Helena (Isabelle Adjani), the industrialist's elegant wife, sparking a surreal romance amid the underground's eccentric inhabitants, including a detective (Richard Bohringer), a punk musician (Jean-Hugues Anglade), and various outcasts. Blending thriller elements with dreamlike sequences, the film explores themes of urban isolation and forbidden desire, portraying the subway as a metaphorical underworld of alienation and reinvention. Besson's second feature film after Le Dernier Combat (1983), Subway was produced on a budget of approximately FRF 17 million and filmed largely on location in the Paris Métro system, showcasing his emerging "cinéma du look" style—prioritizing stylized visuals and atmospheric tension over linear narrative. This approach foreshadowed his later works, such as Léon: The Professional (1994), where similar motifs of outsider protagonists and confined urban spaces appear, with actor Jean Reno's minor role here echoing his iconic hitman character. The film achieved commercial success in France, drawing over 2.9 million admissions and ranking as the third-most popular French film of 1986, though its U.S. release grossed only $390,659. It received 13 César Award nominations, winning three for Best Actor (Lambert), Best Production Design (Alexandre Trauner), and Best Sound (Gérard Lamps, Luc Perini, Harrik Maury, Harald Maury). Critically, has attained for its innovative , vibrant visuals, and eclectic , which blends , , and to heighten the film's nocturnal, otherworldly ; it holds a 75% approval on based on contemporary reviews praising its bold departure from traditional . The movie's of marginal figures navigating societal fringes has influenced discussions on urban and marginality in modern , as analyzed in scholarly examinations of outsider narratives. As of , no major updates or remakes have emerged, but the film remains available for streaming on platforms like Netflix. A 4K UHD Blu-ray edition was released by Studiocanal on June 23, . Other cinematic works titled Subway include a 2007 horror short film titled "Subway to Hell," depicting a nightmarish encounter in the New York City subway, though it garnered limited attention compared to Besson's feature. Films centered on subway settings, such as the 2009 remake The Taking of Pelham 123 directed by Tony Scott, reference urban transit crises but do not share the titular focus or surreal tone of Besson's effort.

Music

The Subways is a British rock band formed in 2002 in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, consisting of Billy Lunn on guitar and vocals, Charlotte Cooper on bass and vocals, and drummer Camille Phillips. The group blends punk rock energy with indie and pop influences, gaining early recognition after winning the Glastonbury Festival's unsigned band competition in 2004, which led to European chart success. Their debut album, Young for Eternity (2005), captured raw punk vitality through tracks like the hit single "Rock & Roll Queen," which peaked at number 19 on the UK Singles Chart and became a staple in alternative rock playlists. The band remained active into the 2020s, releasing a self-titled album in 2015 and embarking on extensive UK and European headline tours, including performances scheduled through 2025-2026; in October 2025, they celebrated the 20th anniversary of their single "When I'm With You" with a special release and review coverage. Several songs titled or referencing "Subway" appear across genres, often evoking urban transit themes. In the musical Avenue Q (2003), a dialogue in the song "If You Were Gay" includes a casual mention of a subway encounter, highlighting everyday New York City life amid the show's puppet-human comedy about young adulthood. More recently, American singer Chappell Roan released "The Subway" as a single on July 31, 2025, a poignant ballad debuted live at the 2024 Governors Ball festival and featured in her ongoing tour setlists, capturing themes of fleeting connections in urban settings. The 1985 French film Subway, directed by Luc Besson, features an influential electronic soundtrack composed by Éric Serra, blending synth-pop, funk, and instrumental elements that underscored the movie's nocturnal underworld atmosphere. Key tracks include the synth-driven "It's Only Mystery," performed by Arthur Simms with lyrics by Serra, which became a minor hit in Europe and exemplified early 1980s electronic fusion; the album also incorporates saxophone-led instrumentals like "Three Nuts in Jail" for tension-building scenes. Released on Gaumont Musique in 1985, the soundtrack album influenced subsequent electronic music, with Serra's bass-heavy style later echoed in his scores for films like The Fifth Element. Subway motifs frequently appear in hip-hop, particularly New York rap, symbolizing the city's gritty infrastructure and daily struggles. For instance, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's "The Message" (1982) vividly depicts urban decay with lines alluding to transit hazards like "junkies in the alley," setting a template for social commentary in rap; similarly, Boogie Down Productions' "South Bronx" (1986) references subway rides as part of borough pride and rivalry narratives. These references endure in modern playlists without major new subway-themed hip-hop releases by late 2025, though they continue to inspire tracks evoking New York transit culture.

Video games

Subway Surfers is a prominent endless runner mobile video game co-developed by Danish studios Kiloo and SYBO Games, first released on May 24, 2012, for iOS and Android platforms. In the game, players control one of several characters who sprint along subway tracks, swiping left or right to switch between three lanes, jumping over barriers, and sliding under low obstacles to evade pursuing trains, police, and other hazards while collecting gold coins and power-ups like jetpacks and coin magnets. The core gameplay emphasizes quick reflexes and increasing speed, with runs ending upon collision, after which players can use collected coins for upgrades or continue via in-app purchases. The game's development adopted a free-to-play model supported by advertisements and microtransactions for items such as character outfits, hoverboards, and extra lives, which has driven its sustained revenue of over $100 million annually in recent years. SYBO Games, which took full control after Kiloo's closure in 2020, has incorporated cultural elements inspired by urban transit systems worldwide, releasing frequent updates with seasonal themes, new characters, and world locations like New York or Tokyo to maintain engagement. This approach earned Subway Surfers multiple accolades, including the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Mobile Game in 2018 and 2019, and recognition for innovation in mobile gaming at the 2023 Pocket Gamer Mobile Games Awards. By 2025, Subway Surfers had amassed over 4.5 billion lifetime downloads, solidifying its status as the most downloaded mobile game ever and significantly contributing to the popularization of the endless runner genre through its accessible mechanics and vibrant visuals. Its impact is evident in the proliferation of similar titles, while expansions like the 2023-introduced Subway Studio AR mode allow players to overlay characters into real-world environments via device cameras, enhancing interactivity in 2025 updates. However, the monetization strategy has faced controversies, including a 2017 U.S. lawsuit alleging unauthorized collection of children's personal data for advertising, and 2020 accusations in China of cybersecurity violations through data practices. Beyond Subway Surfers, other video games themed around subways include niche simulation titles for rail enthusiasts. The World of Subways series, developed by TML-Studios since 2009, features realistic PC simulations of urban rail systems; for instance, World of Subways 4 – New York Line 7 (released in 2016) models the 1970s-1980s era Flushing to Times Square route, allowing players to operate trains as drivers or conductors while managing schedules and passenger interactions in an "Aggro-Mode" for added realism. Earlier entries in the series simulate systems like Berlin's U-Bahn, emphasizing procedural authenticity over arcade action. These simulators appeal to transit hobbyists by replicating operational challenges, though they remain lesser-known compared to mainstream runners.

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