Image via Wikimedia Commons user Sta2Guyz
Home to one of only five 24-hour rapid transit systems in the United States, Staten Island has a railway system that is run by the Staten Island Rapid Transit Operating Authority (SIRTOA). Though there is no direct transfer between the Staten Island Railway trains and the New York City subway, the SIR system is depicted on the MTA system map. The trains stop at a total of 22 stations, all roughly along the eastern coast of the island.
When the Staten Island Railway was under construction, the only way to enter or leave the island was by ferry access at the northern tip. Today, a ride on the SIR will cost you the very competitive price of $0 (except for rides that start at either end of the line, Tottenville or St. George–those are $2.50).
The Staten Island Railway is a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transit Authority that runs public transit in the rest of the five boroughs. MTA is considering the possibility of merging the administration of the line with that of the other New York City Transit subways in order to help the SIR turn a profit from fares, as they currently only make $0.16 on every fare dollar. Undoubtedly this would help the system service more customers and continue to grow.
Here is a map of the entire SIR system:
Image via MTA
