Written by Gus Saltonstall
Upper West Siders who ride the C train will find their commute just a little wider.
On February 1, Governor Cathy Hochul announced the debut of the R211T, a new open-rup subway car on the C Line that allows passengers to move freely from car to car without having to pass through dangerous sliding doors.
The vehicles are also pre-installed with security cameras.
“The subways are the lifeblood of New York City, and we are making record investments to keep them safe, efficient and successful,” Hochul said in a news release about the new trains. “New rolling stock, additional security cameras and more reliable service will make our subway system even better for decades to come.”
C stations in Morningside Heights and the Upper West Side are located at 116 Street, 110 Street, 103 Street, 96 Street, 86 Street, 81 Street, 72 Street, and 59 Street – Columbus Circle.
The new cars have door openings of 58 inches wide, eight inches wider than standard doors, and open aisles between cars to help reduce passenger overcrowding, the MTA said.
It also features additional accessible seating, digital displays that provide detailed station-specific information, and brighter lighting and signage.
The new C trains, which will continue to be added over the coming weeks and months, are part of an effort to phase out the R-46 trains, which have L-shaped yellow and orange seats. Open gangway style trains are new to New York City, but have long been used in England, France, and closer to Boston.
The C-Line isn’t just made up of new cars, so don’t expect every ride.
You can learn more — here.
Click to receive WSR’s free email newsletter here.
