date as the renovated Aqueduct Racetrack. On the start of service in September 1959, extra-fare "Aqueduct Special" trains ran nonstop from the lower level of the 42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan until it crossed over to the northbound platform to discharge passengers at the racetrack. A trial run took place on June 2, 1959, with the running time to the track being about 29 minutes. Transit officials said that the actual time of the specials would be thirty minutes at a minimum as the pace of the train was too swift. Aboard the train were 200 members of the National Association of State Racing Commissioners. The fare was initially 50 cents. One train, on weekdays and Saturdays, left from the Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets station. That station's now-closed outer platforms were used to segregate passengers using the special service. Later on, all trains would stop at Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets. Modifications 1950s to 1980s On September 22, 1959, the NYCTA added five "Daily Double" trains on weekdays and eight on Saturdays, doubling the original number of trains. The Aqueduct Special reduced travel time between Manhattan and the racetrack to 35 minutes. Return trips would operate on Saturdays and holidays. Increased service was provided during the 1960 spring meeting with Saturday and holiday service. During its first year, the service carried 341,000 riders. During the 1960s the extra fare was collected at special turnstiles at the three stations served by the special. Larger tokens were used. On July 5, 1966, the fare on the Aqueduct Special was raised to 75 cents. The fare was raised to $1 on January 4, 1970. The fare was raised from a $1 to $1.50 in February 1972. Later on the fare was lowered back to $1. The fare was raised back to $1.50 on June 28, 1980. In October 1966, the NYRA reached its final agreement to cover the $5,000 cost of the maintenance and the operation of the station. The NYRA last made these payments for the 1974-1975 racing season. Beginning on April 15, 1978, during racing season one train ran from 57th Street on the IND Sixth Avenue Line to Aqueduct Racetrack, leaving 57th Street at 11 A.M. and arriving at Aqueduct at 11:35 AM. The train left for the return trip after the final race. In September 1978, the JFK Express began service and stopped at this station on racing days. The Aqueduct Specials