Ms. Subways 2004

The ballots have been counted and Ms. Subways 2004 has been crowned. The Post picks up the story:

Caroline Sanchez-Bernat was crowned the first Ms. Subways in nearly 30 years yesterday as part of the transit system’s centennial celebration.

“It’s great to be part of a New York tradition,” said Sanchez-Bernat. “I think Ms. Subways is a great representation of New York women.”

Sanchez-Bernat, 29, said she entered the contest — sponsored by The Post and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority — “on a total whim” after her friends encouraged her to fill out the entry form this summer.

Sanchez-Bernat, who won a year’s worth of free rides and a subscription to The Post, was given a tiara and sash yesterday during a ceremony at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, a Manhattan restaurant owned by Ellen Hart Strum, a 1959 Miss Subways.

“I grew up riding the subways,” she said. “I rely on the subways.”

The Times’ coverage fills in some more details, in particular noting (oh, the irony) that one of the finalists was an hour late to the crowning event because of an unavoidable subway delay.