Features Security Cameras in Every Car, Additional Accessible Seating, Brighter Lights, Better Signage and Wider Doors
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit today debuted two open-gangway cars on the line, making it the second subway line to have open-gangway trains. 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.
R211 subway cars are a critical part of the MTA's ongoing modernization efforts systemwide. 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. 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 that improve the customer experience.
“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.”
“Between improved reliability, safety enhancements and amenities, R211 train cars will make a world of difference for 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.
The R211s will eventually replace all R44s on the Staten Island Railway and the current fleet of R46 subway cars, which have been in service on the and lines as well as the lines for decades. This new option will also allow NYC Transit to begin replacement of the R68s, which entered service in the mid-1980s and primarily operate on the and . The new railcar has an average mean distance between failure (MDBF) rate of approximately 220,000 miles, compared to the R46’s 46,000 miles. The MDBF is a measure of how far the railcar can travel before a mechanical issue occurs and requires maintenance.
“This is exactly the type of upgrade we need to give New Yorkers a reliable, safe and comfortable subway experience,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “These new train cars make it easier to move around and find space even when it's crowded, easier to find key info like routes and transfers, and easier to get where riders need to go. Plus, the layout of these trains makes them more accessible for riders using wheelchairs or strollers. Cities around the world have benefitted from this same design. Thanks to the MTA for their work to make this happen.”
“I have been fighting for train improvements since before I was elected to the state Assembly,” said Assembly Member Emily Gallagher. “A high-functioning public transit system is central to building a livable city. 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. These cars are also more accessible for riders who use wheelchairs or otherwise need more room for entry. Thank you to the MTA for all your work to modernize our subway system and bring these R211 to the train!”
“The debut of new, modern subway cars on the line is an exciting step forward for Brooklyn riders,” said Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon. “With more space and an open design, these trains will make for a more comfortable ride—something train commuters know is long overdue. I applaud the MTA for embracing innovation and continuing to move our transit system forward.”
“I’m thrilled that the MTA is introducing two open-gangway R211 cars on the line, which runs through my Brooklyn district, bringing critical accessibility features including wider door openings, accessible seating, detailed digital displays, and more,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif, City Council District 39. “While there’s still much work ahead, these new train cars, coupled with the train’s signal modernization improvements made this past summer, will improve rider experience. I’m deeply grateful for this long-overdue investment and look forward to supporting even more accessibility improvements in the future.”
"The train is getting better!,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “The new open gangway cars are awesome and I am excited they are coming to the line. These upgraded cars make boarding easier and bring enhanced safety measures.”
“The train serves tens of thousands of New Yorkers daily, and like my Council District, serves both Brooklyn and Queens,” said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez. “For too long it has been overlooked when it comes to investments in service and infrastructure. I’m glad to see an investment of adding open-gangway R211 trains, and I’ll continue to push for more investments that ensure train riders get the reliable, accessible, and high-quality service they deserve.”
“Open-gangway subway cars are part of the future of transit, and I'm thrilled to see Brooklyn paving the way,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Following the MTA's renovations to the line last summer, riders have steadily experienced smoother, more reliable service, and these new subway cars will offer even more benefits to commuters. New Yorkers deserve a first-rate rider experience, and I'm thankful to the MTA for prioritizing the line, once one of the most unreliable lines in the entire system.”