While some New Yorkers are mourning the the red and orange subway seats’ retirement, other straphangers are reveling in the G Train open gangway cars.
This March has already seen quite a few transit changes throughout the city — the opening of the 7 train passageway at Grand Central, Metro-North’s debut of the nation’s first battery-and-electric-powered locomotives — and now the iconic G line’s much-needed glow-up.
Meet the G Train’s new cars
Given that the G Train trek is, well, a trek, these upgrades are certainly appreciated. Designed to speed up the boarding process, the R211 cars features 58-inch-wide door openings that are eight inches wider than the standard. Additionally, these cars will also feature more accessible seating, detailed station-specific digital displays, brighter lighting and signage, and pre-installed security cameras.
(Marc A. Hermann / MTA)
“The innovations we’re bringing to the – New York’s only crosstown subway line – are key to improving service long term for thousands of daily riders in Brooklyn and Queens,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “That’s why new train cars and modern signals are such huge components of the next MTA Capital Plan – and why Albany needs to fully fund it so we can keep making progress.”
Likewise, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher said, “If you know about the train, you know that our riders often have to sprint to the train, given how short the train car is. Having open train cars means people will no longer be crammed on the ends but can move more freely through the car to find a seat or have some space.”
Roughly 15% of riders on the G line can expect to encounter this roomy new subway car, and more will be unveiled throughout the year. Last year, the New York City Transit Committee approved an order for 435 additional R211 subway cars (355 closed-end cars and 80 open-gangway cars). As they roll onto the tracks, we’ll keep you posted.