From NYC’s oldest trains to its most reliable service: Staten Island Railway breaks on-time record in 2025

Staten Island Railway commuters are experiencing a significant improvement in service reliability following a comprehensive fleet upgrade. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) completed the rollout of new R211S subway cars in September 2025, resulting in record-breaking on-time performance.

Record Performance and Modernization

In 2025, the Staten Island Railway achieved an on-time performance rate of 96.9%, the highest percentage recorded since the department began tracking data in 2007, excluding the pandemic period. This success coincides with the replacement of the borough’s aging R44 cars – in service since 1973 and the oldest fleet in the New York City Transit system – with the new R211S models.

Did You Know? The R44 cars that were replaced had been in service on Staten Island since 1973, making them the oldest fleet in the entire New York City Transit system.

Improved Reliability and Efficiency

The upgrade isn’t just about punctuality. The mean distance between failures – a key metric of train reliability – has increased to just under 141,000 miles, the highest figure since 2018. This improvement has been achieved while simultaneously reducing total expenses by 5.1% compared to projections.

A Cultural Shift and Collaborative Effort

According to New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow, the successful transition required a significant “cultural shift” for maintenance teams, moving from decades-old technology to a modern, electronically operated fleet. This involved close collaboration with the union to ensure proper training and skill development for employees.

Expert Insight: The successful implementation of a large-scale fleet replacement, coupled with workforce training and cost control, demonstrates a focused effort to improve public transportation infrastructure and commuter experience.

Enhanced Passenger Experience

The new R211S cars offer several improvements for passengers, including wider doors – eight inches wider than the previous standard – which can reduce station stop times by up to 32%. They also feature digital information displays providing real-time updates, upgraded lighting, security cameras, and new handrails designed for standing passengers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of train cars replaced the older fleet?

The older R44 cars were replaced with new, state-of-the-art R211S subway cars.

When was the fleet upgrade completed?

The MTA finished upgrading the entire Staten Island Railway fleet with the new cars in September 2025.

What was the on-time performance rate in 2025?

Staten Island’s on-time performance in 2025 was 96.9%, a record since data tracking began in 2007.

As the Staten Island Railway demonstrates the benefits of modernization, what other improvements would most enhance your daily commute?