NYC Transit debuts open-gangway cars on subway's G Line

MTA New York City Transit yesterday introduced two of what will be four open-gangway cars on the G Line, making it the second subway line to have open-gangway trains.

G Line 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, according to a Metropolitan Transportation Authority press release. Open-gangway cars are open from end to end, enabling riders to walk from one end of the train to another, and making it easier to find more seating and room for standing.

The trains are part of MTA's efforts to modernize NYCT's subway fleet to R211 cars. Last year, the NYCT 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. 

"Between improved reliability, safety enhancements and amenities, R211 train cars will make a world of difference for train riders,” said NYCT 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.”