On Thursday, the MTA introduced a fresh iteration of its modern R211 subway cars, equipped with an "open gangway" feature enabling passengers to move seamlessly between carriages. This development is part of the agency's $2.5 billion investment in new subway cars, and these particular cars began service on the C line in Upper Manhattan, a deliberate decision according to officials.

Open Gangway Cars in NYC

MTA has unveiled fresh subway cars with enhanced safety features, including an "open gangway" allowing passengers to freely traverse between cars. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasizes how this invention improves safety and comfort for riders on the whole subway system.

According to reports, officials discussed upcoming projects,the installation of security cameras within subway carriages. By year-end, nearly 30,000 cameras will be present on both new and current trains, along with wider doors to enhance accessibility.

MTA Transit President Richard Davey previously indicated that the agency's rationale was to deploy these open gangway subway cars primarily on local routes rather than express ones.

This choice was made because, in contrast to prior trains when individual cars could be repaired, if a technical problem occurs, the entire train must be taken out of operation. This is one of the new method's shortcomings. Positively speaking, these vehicles have a number of benefits.

Changing between carriages is simple for commuters, offering greater room and a contemporary vibe. The larger doors also improve accessibility for patrons with strollers or wheelchairs and alleviate crowding issues. Furthermore, since there are fewer opportunities to climb between cars and no open spaces between them, they discourage the risky habit of subway surfing.
Governor Hochul, during a press event at the MTA's 207th St. Yard in upper Manhattan, highlighted the ease with which passengers can transition between subway cars. She emphasized that passengers are not confined and have the freedom to choose a different experience, encouraging them to move around within the train.

Whether it's to engage in a conversation with someone more intriguing or simply to stretch one's legs, the open gangway design promotes flexibility and comfort for commuters.

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Sneak Peek at Open Gangway Cars

In 2023, MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo stated that the incorporation of wider doors and increased accessible seating would significantly enhance the riding experience for all passengers, especially those with disabilities. Arroyo expressed excitement about the future open gangway pilot cars, emphasizing how they will provide customers with mobility devices or strollers unprecedented freedom to navigate through the train.

On Thursday, one of the new C trains commenced service, with another expected to join the line shortly. Each of these trains consists of 10 cars, with a conductor car positioned in the middle.

Previously, the MTA disclosed plans for an additional 437 cars featuring the open-gangway design, slated for potential delivery in early 2025.

This initiative is part of an overarching strategy to phase out the R-46 trains, characterized by their yellow and orange seats arranged in an L pattern.

The initial versions of the R211 cars made their debut on A line trains in early 2023. The latest iteration, incorporating the open gangway concept, mirrors the design seen in the London Tube, Paris Métro, and Boston T systems.

NBC New York provided details regarding this latest development.

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