REVIEWS

“My son and I were in NYC from 22 Mar to 31 Mar. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and highest commendation to Rayn, who served as our incredible guide during an unforgettable 8-day journey through the subway systems of New York City and beyond.

Rayn’s deep knowledge and passion for NYC’s extensive transit and subway network were evident from the very first day. He navigated us seamlessly through the MTA subway system, Amtrak routes, PATH trains, and even regional connections—all while sharing fascinating facts, rich history, and insider insights that brought every journey to life.

Rayn went above and beyond, guiding us not only across all corners of New York City but also on exciting day trips to Boston and Philadelphia, where he led us through their respective subway systems with the same expertise and enthusiasm. His commitment, energy, and attention to detail made every ride an adventure, every station a story, and every transfer a smooth transition.

Thanks to Rayn, we experienced the heartbeat of these cities through the lens of their transit systems. His expertise, professionalism, and genuine love for trains transformed our trip into something truly special.

We cannot recommend Rayn enough to anyone with a curiosity for public transportation, urban exploration, or simply looking for a unique way to experience the city. Thank you, Rayn, for making this journey a one-of-a-kind experience!”

— Sabrina

“Wonderful tour. Rayn has amazing knowledge of NYC, subways, and infrastructure. He is passionate and kind. If you want to know more about how New York City came to be, this tour is a good start or a further exploration in your journey.”

— Douglas

“Unique, original experience. Highly recommend to anyone visiting NY, whether you have a specific interest in urban issues or just want a new angle on the backbone of transportation in the city. As a former MTA employee, Rayn is extremely knowledgable about subway operations, history, and politics. The tour covered a large amount of physical ground in the two hours, and the sheer density of facts and information is impressive. Topics range from technical bits (how the signal system is still essentially entirely mechanical and uncomputerized, just like when it was built) to the current politics around infrastructure projects in NY. Rayn did a good job of balancing objective information and history with some of his own opinions and suggestions for improving the subway.”

— Lucas

“Rayn offered his vocational and avocational experience, expertise and skill in enabling my husband and me to discover the no-longer “secret” ways in which those who work on the East River support and sustain the health, safety and wellbeing of our city. Rayn tuned into the specific questions and comments of each of the six of us on the tour, providing a personal touch that made the tour delightful and well worth taking.”

— Allen

“My friend and I had the pleasure of joining Rayn’s tour on the first day of our arrival in NYC, and it turned out to be an incredible experience! Rayn not only provided us with an in-depth introduction to the history and development of Penn Station, Grand Central, and NYC but also took us to see some hidden gems inside the two stations. Rayn’s passion for his work was contagious, and we couldn’t help but feel energized!“

— Jerry

“Great tour on our first day of the NYC vacation. So much information, knowledge and passion for the subject of transportation snd city planning. Time went by so quick between the stories, steps and stops. We recommend the tour for those who have interest in diving deeper into the NYC subway system:it’s history, it’s challenged then and now, it’s open potential for the future. Thanks.“

— Yvonne

“This tour is great for anyone loving the NYC subway and its secrets, and its a great tour for all ages! Our favorite thing from the tour was seeing a abandoned platform through some tiny holes through an employee-only door.“

— Follin

“It was an excellent experience. The host Rayn’s amazing story telling ability combined with his passion for public transport and urban planning, makes a memorable experience. He also drops in nuggets of wisdom about history and secrets of subway system, known only to a true NewYorker, that Rayn is. I highly recommend him!“

— Pranay

“Rayn is a fabulous guide to the complex and wondrous New York City subway system! Whether you’re just in town for a weekend or you’re a lifelong New Yorker, you’re bound to gain a whole new appreciation for the city’s infrastructure. From the origins of the subway to its current operations and challenges, Rayn shares a wealth of knowledge with guests. One of the best parts of the tour is learning about the hidden secrets and interesting details that go mostly unnoticed to the untrained observer. Highly recommend if you’re looking to see NYC in a new light!“

— Michael

“Amazing amazing amazing! One of the best tours I have ever been on. So many interesting facts about the subway from a real expert who worked for the MTA. The tour was well structured and well planned plus Rayn was happy to answer all of my complex questions. I felt very safe and comfortable on the tour because Rayn made sure everything was organized and easy. Wow, I will definitely go on another tour with him because I learned that he offers a few different ones. The length was not too long or too short. Overall A++++++. Book it!“

— Yoni

“As a newbie in the area, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a train & subway tour, but I was so glad I found Rayn’s this one! I was able to explore subway stations I never would have taken, or seen things I’d already passed but missed. Instead of rushing from point A to B, we looked through archways, hidden doorways and explored little known spots with interesting historical significance. Plus I met a few new locals that gave me great tips. Aside from the weird cold rain snap we experienced that day (only during the short time we spent above ground), everything was great! I’d definitely recommend it!“

— Jen

“Great and unique tour for anyone interested in the politics, technology, and history of the subway and transportation in NY more generally. One of the most information-packed 3 hour walking tours I’ve been on; Rayn’s insider knowledge of the workings of the subway, from the reasons for the subway’s decline to the function of various devices you see on every platform was impressive. Added bonus–the tour goes all over Penn Station and Grand Central and covers that history too. Highly recommended not just for tourists but also longtime New Yorkers.“

— Lucas

“Rayn’s tour of the Subway was one of, if not the most informative experiences I’ve ever had on such a tour. Rayn knew about everything from previously existing railroads to secret passageways, and he made sure that a single minute didn’t go by without a new tidbit of information. There is a lot of walking, be prepared for that, but it was well worth it for the sights and secrets we saw. If you’re a railfan (or even have a simple appreciation for rail) you should absolutely take this tour.“

— Toby

“I always loved the idea of unconsciously walking through historical locations in cities. Rayn always made sure to prioritize the group’s safety by constantly making sure no one was left behind. I appreciated his willingness to check the MYmta map to track train arrivals. It was a strategic way to not miss any trains during weekend track plan schedules. I learned hidden gems I know I would have missed if Rayn hadn’t pointed them out. I would definitely invite my friends on the next tour! It’s an exciting experience. I learned so much and also did some useful walking exercise. Truly one of a kind.“

— Melissa

“We could not be more pleased with our tour experience. We had a uniquely young age group and Rayn did an OUTSTANDING job tailoring the tour just for us, age appropriate, physically appropriate, emotionally appropriate, musically appropriate… the list goes on & on. I have absolutely no doubt that he customizes his tour based on whatever needs that his tour attendee population presents. Of course we also took home a toolkit of fabulous trivia; here is a sample: Borough Hall opened for service in 1908 and was the first underground subway station in Brooklyn. The oldest rapid transit station in Brooklyn still in service today is Gates Avenue on the J/Z (but that isn’t an underground station). The oldest railroad tunnel in Brooklyn, built in the 1800s, is sealed up under Atlantic Avenue and is accessed from a utility cover next to the Trader Joe’s right in the middle of the avenue! We can’t wait to book our next tour experience with Untapped NY when time & the growing age of our young ridership permits“

— Rachel

“Rayn has really done his homework! This tour was well timed, expertly researched, had great photos and was really interesting. He planned out a route to take us through well travelled places and pointed out things we probably had seen 1000’s of times and never knew the meaning of. I loved it and would highly recommend for anyone the least bit curious about the history, infrastructure and operations of the greatest Subway system in the world!”

— Ann

“Excellent tour! Thorough, full of surprises, well paced. Rayn Riel has a real passion for NYC history, with particular expertise in the city’s vast, storied, and complex subway systems. A must-do tour for anyone interested in urban infrastructure, transportation logistics, and city life.”

— RZ

“Our Grand Central Terminal tour with Rayn was wonderful! It was thorough, well-paced, focused on history and also on contemporary influences and changes, and best of all it was full of surprises. I’ve picked up a few interesting facts about GCT over the 40 years I’ve lived in NYC, but Rayn’s encyclopedic knowledge blew me away. This is my second excursion with him (I highly recommend his Subway Tour) and there will be many more. Whatever tour he offers, sign up — I promise it will be first-rate!“

— Nagle

“Rayn is a knowledgeable and engaging guide, with a wealth of information about the history and secrets of the NYC subway and evolution of the city’s transit systems. Not only is he clearly passionate about the subject matter and full of interesting facts and info, he also was incredibly patient and kind while leading a sizeable group of often rowdy fifth-graders on a subway adventure! Rayn was attentive and respectful of the kids’ needs, and was able to adapt the itinerary on the fly based on the train schedule, sharing interesting knowledge and history at every point along the way. The adults in the group found it just as (if not more) fun than the kids! Highly recommend for locals and tourists alike.“

— Donna

“A MUST-DO TOUR for New Yorkers and those visiting. Rayn opens your eyes to the everyday secrets we ride by on our daily commutes. My girlfriend lived in the city for 7+ years and I grew up with NYC on the horizon…we ABSOLUTELY loved this tour. A taste of what you’ll take away: 1) Did you know that three different companies built the subways? 2) Could you name a difference between the numbered and lettered lines? 3) What if “South Ferry” subway station (where our tour started) isn’t referring to the Staten Island ferry? I would recommend this two hour tour to anyone going on a date, visiting the city, families, or…any New Yorker looking for a staycation. Rayn is clearly an OG in urban exploration, which is fun energy to be around. Note: Rayn does have a SPEAKER for anyone who is hard of hearing. I believe grandparents to grandkids would take away something from this tour.“

— Erik

“If you don’t go on this tour, you probably don’t like trains or mysterious tunnels, or transportation history, or meeting interesting people who may turn out to be your only friends one day you never know. So go on this tour and you won’t regret it, because if you do regret it, you’re the kind of person who regrets excellent new experiences like unique subterranean tours with an experienced qualified and intelligent human guide.“

— Eugene

“If you’re interested in the New York City subway, definitely give this unique experience a go! I would highly recommend Rayn’s tour and think he has a bright future ahead of him in the transportation industry.“

— Ben

“Where to begin. Rayn is a subway and public transit master. Not an expert, a true master of knowledge on NYC transit. This tour is enlightening to say the very least. Rayn will take you on a journey back in time to the turn of the 20th century when the subway tunnels were being constructed. There are relics of the golden years of subway transit at every corner of our subway system and Rayn happens to know where they are. I promise you will not regret your experience with Rayn and his train tour. Excellent.“

— Kyle

“Rayn was a great tour guide! The route was thoughtfully planned and very informative. I live in New York, but am still getting to know the city. This was a great way to see parts of the city I haven’t before, while learning how the subway has been such an integral part of building the urban fabric of NYC. I’ve done other “urban exploration” tours and was excited that we got to see some abandoned parts of the subway. I had no idea there was a whole system of abandoned transit lines! I will definitely be going on other tours that Rayn offers.“

— Lauren

“Rayn was a great tour guide! He’s a tall guy, so he is easy to find and easy to see! More importantly, he was knowledgeable and passionate about the NYC city system. His Brooklyn tour route is thoughtfully designed to hit a number of notable (hidden) gems in a time efficient manner. He is approachable and great with questions. Would recommend!“

— Scott

“Have you ever wondered about the NYC subway? How and why it ended up the way it did? What the purpose of everything is? And how it can be improved? Get an inside look with a former MTA researcher who is eager to impart his knowledge to both neophytes and subway enthusiasts alike. You’ll not only learn a great deal, but you’ll see and experience the effects of what you’re learning. See some of the oldest, most historic train stations in North America all the way up to the brand-new Fulton Center and WTC Oculus. Explore Lower Manhattan the way it was meant to be – underground!“

— Brian

“Rayn is a native New Yorker who has had a lifelong passion for the NYC transit systems, and that passion shone through on our tour. The tour involved visiting a selection of midtown stations, and at each one Rayn was able to provide historical context for why things were built the way they were and show us interesting sights that remain today. The small group nature of the experience allowed for lots of time for questions along the way. Definitely recommend to those interested in the subway.“

— John

“Great way to meet people! Sealed off mystery tunnels! Where do they lead?! PATH could’ve been connected to IRT instead of dead-ending at 34th St. – Why?! Rayn’s unique observations about NYC rail service based on his long experience and research; eg, why do prices escalate as service does not improve? Hmm! Penn Station was a Transit Temple, classic architecture – why destroy that?! Are parts of that original structure still in there somewhere? What’s up with the transition to a replacement Penn Station – and will we see any of the progress on that? What do you THINK?! That’s a BINGO! How did electrification change rail service? What was that like for people then? Very instructive, origins, evolution of subway lines – like a cool classroom field trip with a teacher who really loves his subject! Rayn carries a binder of maps, diagrams and photos from his voluminous collection to illustrate his revelations. How the transit system fails the city resident as well as tourists – very poor signage – fascinating examples! You won’t believe it! History: how Hudson yards came to be… Explore places you ordinarily wouldn’t – I’ve been using subways many years and didn’t know half the stuff Rayn showed us.”

— Eug

“Touring with Rayn was a blast! We so enjoyed his experience and knowledge about the stations and their history. Rayn addressed all our questions with background, stories and illustrations. His insight and experience was amazing. One of the best tours we’ve done before! We’re planning on another tour with Rayn for a subway history tour. We can’t wait!“

— Alan

“This tour is simply amazing, an experience of a lifetime. Rayn is super nice and knowledgeable, literally knows everything about the NYC subway system. He told us lots of interesting and cool information about the system, how things work, revealed several hidden spots, and details we would not have noticed. He is genuinely kind, helpful with a good sense of humour, so these two hours flew by quickly. We appreciated that Rayn provided us with earbuds and as he spoke into a micro port, we could easily hear and understand him even when it got very loud.”

— David

“On our tour of Penn Station we visited several spots of significance within the station. At each location, we were shown historical photos to compare present conditions with the station’s past and learned about the historical context of what we were looking at. Rayn had a great personality and led us at a comfortable pace. The earpieces provided worked like a charm so we could focus on the tour even with the presence of background noise. The experience wrapped up after a crisp hour and a half that was time well spent. Several people lingered at the end to ask more questions.“

— Danielle