STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Riders on the Staten Island Railway are experiencing more reliable service following a major fleet upgrade, resulting in record-breaking on-time performance, according to Latest York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow.
Fleet Modernization Complete
The MTA completed the upgrade of the entire Staten Island Railway fleet with new cars in September 2025. The new cars, known as R211S models, replace the older R44 cars, which had been in service since 1973 and were the oldest fleet in the New York City Transit system.
The upgrade has already yielded significant improvements. In 2025, on-time performance reached 96.9%, the highest percentage recorded since the department began tracking data in 2007, excluding the pandemic era.
Improved Reliability and Efficiency
Beyond on-time performance, the new fleet is demonstrating increased reliability. The signify distance between failures is just under 141,000 miles, the highest number since 2018. These improvements were achieved while keeping costs down, with total expenses last year 5.1% lower than anticipated.
The R211S cars feature several improvements for passengers, including doors that are eight inches wider than the previous standard, potentially reducing station stop times by up to 32%. They likewise include digital information displays and new handrails.
Looking Ahead
The MTA’s focus remains on providing a strong transportation network for commuters traveling on Staten Island to Manhattan. Continued monitoring of the new fleet’s performance will inform future upgrades and improvements across the New York City Transit system. Analysts expect that maintaining this level of performance will require ongoing investment in maintenance and training.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Staten Island Railway fleet upgraded?
The MTA finished upgrading the entire Staten Island Railway fleet with all new cars in September 2025.
What type of train cars replaced the older fleet?
The older R44 cars were replaced with new, state-of-the-art R211S subway cars.
What was the on-time performance rate in 2025?
Staten Island’s on-time performance in 2025 was 96.9%, breaking the record as the highest percentage since the department began tracking data in 2007, and not including the pandemic era.
As the Staten Island Railway demonstrates the benefits of modernization, what role do you believe infrastructure investment will play in the future of public transportation in New York City?
