Neon Express

Level 154 is an expansive complex of rail lines and subway stations that travel to many levels of the Backrooms. Most of the level is adorned with bright neon lights. The neon lights slowly change color in a fading rainbow sequence. Views from the outer edges of the station reveal that the level is suspended entirely within a luminous purple void similar to deep space. To date, there have been no reports of people falling into this void, so it is unknown what might happen in the hypothetical event that someone were to fall in.

This space, though mostly located within the void, appears as its own separate "pocket dimension" within the level, granting it unique properties. Among these is the ability to create controlled spatial anomalies, which can facilitate non-clipping to other levels. Exactly how this is achieved is unknown, but it can be traced back to The Architects. However, it is the primary way trains can non-clip in and out of Level 154 .

Level 154 is considered one of the safest levels in The Backrooms, thanks to the huge amount of supplies and the ability to travel to other levels, as well as the ease of forming outposts, making this level one of the most popular and desired destinations for Vagrants .

The Neon Station is the largest area on Level 154. It is typically the first place one arrives at upon entering the level. It resembles a futuristic train station, complete with color-changing neon lights and polished tiles, bearing a resemblance to the subway stations in The Frontrooms . Sleek black pillars support the station's structure; speakers mounted on the ceiling can also be found, their purpose being to alert the Vagrants when a train is about to depart or arrive; these appear indestructible and impossible for Vagrants or Facelings to dislodge . The area also contains several abandoned shops that mysteriously restock their supplies daily. Guards allow the taking of supplies from these shops, as they will be restocked the following day. Cushioned seats line the station walls, sometimes with bottles of Almond Water on top of them.

The amount of time you have to wait for the Neon Express varies, but it's usually about 10 minutes between departures. Each train will stay at the station for another 10 minutes, then it will depart and you'll have to wait for the next train.

There will be several Facelings and Shapeshifters throughout the station, both acting as guards and workers and waiting for the next train. It's known that these Shapeshifters are sentient, given how orderly they are when boarding the train, always adopting a human appearance to be more comfortable inside the express. On the other hand, the Facelings use the subway because it facilitates travel to other levels, with Level 11 being the most popular destination for obvious reasons.

The Neon Express is the train that transports Hobos and other entities to various levels of the Backrooms. It resembles a regular Frontroom train, but with neon lights. Its exterior is adorned with a vivid glow from these neon lights, providing a relaxing atmosphere for the Hobos. The doors open automatically when the train comes to a complete stop after reaching its destination. Upon entering, the interior speakers play a vibrant yet calming song. The walls between each pair of doors are equipped with comfortable, padded seats that average two meters in length, allowing Hobos to stretch out, rest, and even sleep comfortably, as the train announces when it is about to stop. On each side of the carriage, there is a television mounted to the wall that can broadcast various Backroom-exclusive programs, created primarily by Shapeshifters and other entities, the most popular being "Mr. Glitch's Game Show."

To board the Neon Express , a Faceling will need a ticket. As mentioned previously, these can be obtained at the reception desks. However, attempting to board the train without a ticket will result in a guard stopping you and forcing you to get one.

To get a ticket, the homeless must look for the reception desks that are scattered throughout the level, once there they ask for the ticket to be able to enter the train.

The neon lights constantly change color in a slow, fading pattern, generally following this sequence: blue, light blue, light green, green, pink, red, crimson red, slate blue, indigo, dark blue, and light blue again. Digital clocks can also be seen near the ceiling inside the trains. Between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, the neon lights inside the train, regardless of their previous color, will change to a soft, calming white. The music will also change to a quieter, more tranquil tone.

The Neon Express can travel on 4 different lines; depending on the color of the line, the level may have a different theme, but that will be seen later.

Thanks to the efforts of the Architects , the trains on Level 154 are powered by the Hermes Drive, which they constructed. This system is capable of using spatial anomalies to perform controlled non-clipping to other levels. This allows trains to travel between levels in just a few minutes, with more significant stops appearing more frequently. Level 80 and Level 1 are examples of this. The use of spatial anomalies also allows for multiple trains to run simultaneously, making it easier for vagrants to travel in and out of Level 154, which also explains the very short wait times between trains.

The Snack Stand is a slightly smaller area on Level 154. It resembles a regular snack stand, but is decorated with neon lights. This area sells a variety of food and drinks, some of which are familiar in The Frontrooms . The stand is usually staffed by Facelings and Shapeshifters ; however, homeless people may also volunteer to help if they wish. The Snack Stand has several chairs and tables for people to eat at. Although the food and drinks are free, homeless people are still expected to have table manners and common sense. If a homeless person causes a disturbance, they will be removed from the Snack Stand and will have to wait a couple of hours before being able to return.

Televisions from the 1990s onward can also be found on the walls. While they function much like the televisions in The Frontrooms , the channels they offer often change, and sometimes these televisions may be out of service, either for maintenance or because they are being replaced with newer models. The Snack Stand also has some arcade games in a separate area to keep the homeless entertained; each game costs a bottle of Almond Water to play.

The Neon Hotel is the second largest area on the level, second only to the Neon Station . Unlike the other areas, it wasn't originally created by the Architects , but rather later due to the enormous number of Vagrants and entities that began to inhabit the station.

As its name suggests, this area consists of a large hotel illuminated by neon lights, with well-decorated hallways, various workers and security guards, and is divided into 2 floors.

The first floor consists of the reception area, which is where everyone entering the zone arrives. There you'll find several Facelings and Shapeshifters working as security guards and receptionists. To access the next floor, you must speak with a receptionist and obtain the keys to a room. Once you have your room keys, the security guards will allow you to go to the next floor.

The second floor is where the rooms are located. It consists of a large number of hallways illuminated with neon lights, kept somewhat cool by air conditioners, and numerous signs indicating exits and restrooms. The rooms themselves are typical of a hotel, only lit by neon lights. These rooms include a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a bathroom. Any attempt to retrieve items like soap or remote controls will be futile; they always end up teleporting back into the room.

The rooms come with room service included; simply press the bell button next to your bed and a Faceling or Shapeshifter will come to attend to you. However, if you abuse this service in an annoying way or simply press the bell to irritate others, then they will disable the service for a few hours or until you make a sincere apology (according to The Architects , this happens more often than they would like to admit).