The MTA launched two open gangway trains on the G line

Last year, the G train became a source of headaches for many when it shut down for months, but all those inconveniences have led to this special moment: the G just introduced two open gangway trains—those modern, European-looking subways cars that actually feel like they belong to this century—to its route.

This makes the G only the second subway line to have open gangways, after the A and C trains integrated them into their route last year. 

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These R211 subway cars are an essential part of the MTA's efforts to modernize. They include 58-inch wide door openings, a whole eight inches larger than the current cars in the system, which should significantly help facilitate boarding, especially during rush hour. The cars also include additional accessible seating, digital displays, brighter lighting, and many other features, per the MTA.

“The innovations we’re bringing to the G—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.” 

The New York City Transit Committee approved an order for 435 additional R211 subway cars, which includes 355 closed-end cars and 80 open gangway cars.

The new cars will slowly replace the decades-old models currently operating within the system. In the grand scheme of things, the transition to R211 trains will significantly reduce the amount of delays and issues that the average New York commuter will experience, since the old R46 trains can go an average of 46,000 miles before experiencing mechanical issues, versus the R211's impressive 220,000 miles.

Because the G line is relatively short compared to other routes, commuters who take the G now have a 15% chance of being in a open-gangway train.