Photo credit: David Starke
Accession Number: C.2024.50.3
Dimensions: 6 in X 2.5 in X 1.5 in
Dimensions (Metric): 15.24 cm X 6.35 cm X 3.81 cm
Credit Line: Gift of Hector Soto, Jr.
Description
Set of MTA subway keys, including the train reverser key wrench.
Used to reverse the direction of the train, the key is metal with a wrench at one end. It is rusted and attached to a rusted key ring along with two other keys. One key is likely a cab key, with a solid shaft and small cut bit at the end, and the other key is a Westcode-brand hydrant key.
Historical Notes
The Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) Local 100 represents thousands of Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) employees. These workers include subway and bus operators, station and ticketing agents, equipment and infrastructure maintainers, and cleaners.
On and after 9/11, about 3,000 union members deployed to the World Trade Center. Many searched for victims. Transit operators drove thousands to safety and shuttled responders to the site. Machine operators cut beams and cleared rubble to create pathways. In damaged subway tunnels, cleaners removed dust and debris while maintainers restored services.
TWU Local 100 members assisted at Ground Zero throughout the nine-month rescue and recovery period.