The Train to the Plane

New York City Transit Police Officers in the 1980s worked under challenging conditions, including filthy grimy subway stations and out of control crime.

The men and women of the Transit Police Department faced these challenges head on. Whether it was the uniformed patrol officer, detective, K-9 officer, or any of the specialized units, transit cops worked tirelessly to keep the subway riders of New York City safe and sound under the most adverse conditions. There was one unit, however, that stood out among all the rest. These brave officers did not share in the crime and grime of their fellow officers. These cops rode in a special air conditioned, heated, clean train only open to passengers travelling from Manhattan to the airport, and were prohibiting from getting off their exclusive train, even if there were desperate pleas for help emanating from just outside the train doors. This is the story of the Train to the Plane Unit, and this is Hairbag Nation.