Staten Island Railway passengers should plan for altered schedules this week due to maintenance work. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced temporary changes impacting several South Shore stations, requiring all trains to board on the St. George-bound side during specific daytime hours. This comes shortly after the completion of a major fleet upgrade, introducing new R211S train cars across the entire railway system.
Key Takeaways
- Staten Island Railway service changes affect Eltingville, Annadale, and Huguenot stations.
- All trains will board on the St. George-bound side at these stations.
- Disruptions are scheduled from Monday, September 22, to Wednesday, September 24.
- Work will occur between 9:45 a.m. and 3 p.m., avoiding rush hours.
- The entire Staten Island Railway fleet recently upgraded to new R211S cars.
Temporary Boarding Adjustments for South Shore Stations
The MTA confirmed that certain Staten Island Railway stops will experience temporary boarding changes. This measure is in place to allow crews to perform scheduled maintenance work on the railway system.
Specifically, the Eltingville, Annadale, and Huguenot stations are affected. During the maintenance period, all trains at these locations will utilize the St. George-bound platform for both inbound and outbound service.
Service Change Details
- Affected Stations: Eltingville, Annadale, Huguenot
- Boarding Method: All trains board on the St. George-bound side.
- Dates: Monday, September 22 – Wednesday, September 24
- Hours: 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily
Commuters who typically use these stations should allocate extra travel time. The MTA has structured the work schedule to avoid peak rush hour periods, aiming to minimize inconvenience for the majority of daily travelers. Work will only take place between 9:45 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Recent Fleet Modernization: The R211S Cars
These service changes follow a significant modernization effort for the Staten Island Railway. The MTA recently completed the upgrade of its entire fleet, replacing older R44 cars with new R211S models. The R44 cars had been in service on Staten Island since 1973, making them some of the oldest trains in the broader New York City transit network.
The introduction of the R211S cars represents a major step in improving the rider experience. These new trains feature several enhancements designed to improve efficiency, comfort, and passenger information.
Key Features of the R211S Fleet
- Wider Doors: The R211S cars have doors that are eight inches wider than previous MTA standards. This design change is expected to speed up passenger boarding and exiting, potentially reducing station stop times by up to 32%.
- Digital Information Displays: All new cars include digital screens that provide real-time, location-specific travel information. This helps passengers stay informed about their journey.
- Improved Handrails: New double-pole handrails have been installed. These are designed to offer better support for standing passengers.
- Enhanced Lighting: The interior lighting in the R211S cars has been upgraded, aiming for a brighter and more pleasant environment.
- Smoother Ride: MTA officials have stated that the new cars will provide a faster and smoother ride experience for passengers.
"The new cars will provide a faster, smoother ride," MTA officials stated, highlighting the improved passenger experience.
Even with the full replacement, the MTA plans to keep the phased-out R44 train cars in reserve for several years. This practice aligns with industry standards for managing new fleet introductions, ensuring a backup is available if needed.
Passenger Feedback on New Train Cars
In August, local media conducted interviews with Staten Island Railway passengers regarding their experiences with the new R211S cars. While many riders expressed approval of the modern amenities, some raised concerns about seating availability.
Passengers generally praised the new announcement systems and the improved interior lighting. These features contribute to a more modern and user-friendly transit experience.
However, a recurring point of feedback was the reduction in the number of seats on the new trains compared to the older R44 models. This change has impacted some commuters who rely on seating during their travels.
Seating Capacity Considerations
The design of modern transit cars often balances seating capacity with standing room. While more seats can enhance comfort for some, increased standing room allows for higher passenger capacity, particularly during peak travel times. This is a common design decision in urban transit systems.
Selena Cuevas, a resident of Pleasant Plains, commented on the change, stating, "I would say it’s harder to get a seat, because there’s definitely less seats... I guess the lack of seats for people who need to sit is probably not the best."
An MTA spokesperson confirmed that the older R44 cars did indeed offer more seating. This came at the expense of available standing room. The design of the R211S cars prioritizes a balance that allows for increased overall passenger capacity, especially crucial in a busy urban environment like New York City.
The ongoing maintenance work and the recent fleet upgrade underscore the MTA's efforts to modernize and improve the Staten Island Railway, even as specific changes like seating arrangements generate varied passenger reactions.
