The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Tuesday debuted two open-gangway cars on the G line, making it the second subway line to have open-gangway trains.
The R211 subway cars are part of the MTA's ongoing modernization efforts. The cars include pre-installed security cameras in each car and feature 58-inch-wide door openings that are eight inches wider than standard door openings on the existing car fleet, which are designed to speed up boarding and reduce the amount of time trains sit in stations, according to a press release.
In addition to wider doors, these cars provide additional accessible seating, digital displays that will provide more detailed station-specific information, and brighter lighting and signage, among other features.
“Between improved reliability, safety enhancements and amenities, R211 train cars will make a world of difference for G train riders,” said NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. “The R211s are state of the art and less prone to breakdowns, which means smoother trips and more reliable service for decades to come.”
Last year, the New York City Transit Committee approved an order for 435 additional R211 subway cars. This order includes 355 closed-end cars and 80 open-gangway cars. The option would bring the total number of R211 cars ordered to 1,610.
G train passengers now have a 15% chance of riding an open-gangway car every time they ride. Open-gangway trains first operated on the C line in 2024.
“While there’s still much work ahead, these new train cars, coupled with the G train’s signal modernization improvements made this past summer, will improve rider experience," said City Council Member Shahana Hanif.
