Is the train in Queens NY considered part of the New York subway? Is it completely above ground level? It looks like it is running along roof tops. What is the history of its construction? Do they build those structures with the anticipation that trains will run on them and then sell or rent the spaces below, or is it built over pre-existing structures and then the owners of the properties below receive some sort of compensation? It's a beautiful system, I'd love to visit it sometime, I'm just curious to know some assorted trivia about the structures.

There might be more than one train system in Queens. I am asking specifically about the one pictured here.

[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/WFTOU.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/WFTOU.jpg)

The photo was found on dreamingofgoingthere.tumblr.com