Guest Operators

You'll be given an overview of operating principles by one of our instructors. Then it will be your turn to take the handles and operate solo! Don't worry, you won't have any regular passengers, just you, your instructor, and your invited guests.

Please Note: Because of damage to the collection suffered during Hurricane Irene ( read more), and Hurricane Sandy ( read more) certain cars may be unavailable until they are repaired. If you are interested in a specific car, please check with the museum office. The lists below of trolley and transit cars available for guest operation is subject to change.

Operate a Trolley Car: The guest operator fee is $50, and includes your individual admission, and one year's individual membership in the museum at the Associate level. You'll also receive a photo-certificate of completion, suitable for framing. (The fee for existing members is discounted to $30). We strongly recommend making a reservation on one of the Guest Operator days below. We can also accomodate your request for a trolley guest operator session on other days, subject to pre-registration and confirmation of staff availability 2 or more weeks in advance.

The following trolley cars are generally available for guest operation: Connecticut Company 775 and 1602, Johnstown 357, Atlanta 948, New Orleans 850, Third Avenue Ry. 629.

Operate a Subway or Elevated Rapid Transit Car: The guest operator fee is $60, and includes your individual admission, and one year's individual membership in the museum at the Associate level. You'll also receive a photo-certificate of completion, suitable for framing. (The fee for existing members is discounted to $40). Please note that because of the higher power consumption and heavier weight of these cars, their operation for guests is limited to the Guest Operator days shown below.

The following cars are currently available: NYCTA R-17 6688, IRT Lo-V 5466, IND R-9 1689.

Note: the Guest Operator event is an entertainment service, and does not constitute an official training program. Many Guest Operators do, however, go on to take the museum's official training classes which are offered separately.