Despite widespread service cuts, the subway system has gotten mildly better. That's according to the Straphangers Campaign, which says the subway's gotten a little cleaner, a little more reliable, and its announcements are clearer this year compared to the year before.

The watchdog group is releasing its annual ranking of the 22 major subway lines today. For the second year in a row, the Number 7 came out looking the best, while the C line is worst.

But how do these year's rankings compare with those from ... 1985? Hard to say: Straphangers was around back then, but using different categories. Categories that might stun today's rider, like how many broken door panels a typical subway train had, etc. To take a look at a 25-year-old report WNYC undearthed, click here.

This year's report was compiled from data before cuts in June reduced weekend service on 10 lines and eliminated two lines entirely.