NYC's silliest subway train (G Train)

[@rackstraw]

The G does have the best view of any line in the City of New York - the Smith-9th Sts station is high above the Gowanus Canal to be able to clear ocean going ships, and offers a fantastic view of Manhattan.

[@rackstraw]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJe3p5Kcr7l6mcU

[@seanreidy2584]

Tallest station in the world!

[@jg-7780]

The F also has the same view tho

[@rackstraw]

True about the F. Trying to show the G some love.

[@bobbyswanson3498]

my friend and i got lost on the g train on a trip and ended up having to switch directions at this station at like 2 am! it was almost worth it to see the view

[@charliecohen177]

To explain more on your comment about the G train switching from older to newer cars: Because the MTA is in the process of expanding CBTC (the mostly-automatic system that runs on the 7 and L trains), they wanted to streamline the maintenance of cars equipped with CBTC, and have them all at Jamaica. This meant that they took the newer cars off the N, Q, and W trains, and moved them over to Jamaica (Instead of Coney Island), which meant that the G now runs newer trains, while the older ones on the G were moved to the N, Q, and W. Also if you didn't notice, the new R211 trains entered service yesterday on the A!

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Thanks for sharing! I don't ride the A often enough, hopefully I can catch one of those trains.

[@IND3648]

@@UrbanCaffeine take the A train then

[@dorf33]

doesnt queens blvd also have cbtc? i think it does but just for the portion of queens blvd because the R got r160s to accommodate and the rest of broadway is running r46 and r68s question: does cbtc allow for full automatic trains without the operator having to accelerate and decelerate the trains? and culver is getting it next so hopefully that includes the g cuz the g is honestly a sigma for its service more service should be prioritized over more cars, and hopefully the f can run full culver exp when the g gets more service

[@sebi01200]

@@UrbanCaffeine it seems to be running everyday, so if you want to catch it, just wait at an A train station like 207, 175, Chambers, Fulton, or High

[@sebi01200]

@@dorf33 CBTC is simply a signalling system which can be used in ATP (Automatic Train Protection) Mode. What really helps with Automation, is ATO (Automatic Train Operation) the drivers input is only pushing and holding the ATO button for 1-2 seconds, then the train begins to move. Then every 15 seconds an alarm will sound and the operator has to reset it in 5 seconds, if it isn’t reset, the train gets thrown into emergency.

[@djijspeakerguy4628]

Due to the fact about the addition of a 5th car when the train model was changed, here’s a short summary of the NYC subway’s current fleet. Oldest trains (70s and 80s): Seats inside are red, orange, and yellow, and in the lettered lines, they also have window seats that face forwards. Also in the case of the lettered lines, each train car is longer (a failed experiment, they were shorter before they made these too,) but they tend to run in consists of 4 or 8 cars rather than 5 or 10. This is what you noticed with the switch to 5 cars. The very oldest of these have some wood grain finish inside, and those in particular are being phased out. The rest have shiny metal interiors. Earlier new-tech trains (1999-2018-ish): Seats are light blue benches. Interior has more plastic finishing. On the lettered lines, for every 4 cars on the old trains, 1 car is added on these due to their shorter length. The latest new-tech trains (2023-present): Same length. Seats are dark blue benches, with yellow fold-up benches for ADA purposes. Interior is similar to the older 2000s cars but more advertisement screens and other tech. Other notable changes include security cameras, also wider doors but narrower windows. They’re testing a version with the ability to walk between cars on the C line, similar to that accordion-like hinge on the longer city buses. The trains on the numbered lines are all the same length and car count between older and newer tech, but everything else is applicable. They don’t have the super new ones yet though: that’s gonna be a ways away. The trains on the numbered lines are narrower. A lettered line type train would not fit inside a numbered line tunnel, while a numbered train on a letter line will cause a dangerous gap between a train and platform. The reason for the 2 standards of train size is because they were originally 2 separate systems! Fleet models: R44/R46: oldest trains in service on the lettered lines A, C, N, Q, W, (R46 only), and Staten Island Railway (R44 only.) Identified in interior by wood grain finish on ends and below arm rests. G line used to have R46. R62/R62A: older numbered line train. Most commonly seen on 1,3,6 lines and Times Square shuttle. R68/R68A: same as R62/R62A, but made for lettered lines. Seen most often on B,D,N,Q, Franklin and Rockaway shuttles, and formerly the G. R142/R142A/R188: newer trains on the numbered lines. R188 is for 7 line only. R142/R142A are seen on 2,4,5. R143/R160A/R160B/R179: newer trains on the lettered lines. Usually R143 for L, J, Z. R160 for G, J, Z, F, M, R. R179 for A, C, E, G. R211A/R211S: newest trains on the lettered lines. R211A’s are currently run on A train only. R211S version is yet to be launched, and is designed for the Staten Island Railway. R211T: test of open gangway (walk through) trains on the C line. There is an option to make more for lettered lines if they work well and passengers are happy. R262: planned to basically be a version of the R211A or R211T, but for the numbered lines. Supposed to replace R62/R62A There are more subtle differences between, for example, R143/160A/B/179, including the manufacturers and specific years or minor design changes. There are also specific propulsion noises when arriving and leaving stations that can be used to identify the train model without looking, but I won’t get in to these too much.

[@CraigFThompson]

So far, this is the most informative "dissertation" pertaining to public transportation in NYC, considering rail vehicles.

[@Leonard_Wilson]

A few things: 1) The G serves downtown Brooklyn, which is basically a mini-Manhattan. It also serves quite a few high schools and colleges 2) Although the G doesn’t serve Manhattan, it connects to many lines that serve Manhattan. The most popular transfer points are Court Square, Metropolitan Avenue, and Hoyt Schermerhorn.

[@qwerty112311]

Insult to humanity to call Brooklyn “mini-Manhattan”

[@christakanst7014]

​@@qwerty112311 downtown Brooklyn is similar to Manhattan

[@qwerty112311]

@@christakanst7014 lying is a sin

[@DraggedNuts]

@@qwerty112311 frfr

[@professional.commentator]

​@@qwerty112311 He just called Downtown Brooklyn mini-Manhattan, not all of Brooklyn.

[@russellgxy2905]

Interesting thing about the train lengths. While the G does run with 5 cars, they aren't any longer than the 4 car trains. The older type, the R68's (and similar R46 and R44 cars) are 75 feet long, while the newer R160s use 60 ft cars. So a 4-car set of R68's is just as long as a 5-car set of R160's

[@richshort8120]

Hi Thea I never been on the G train. The G short train story reminds me of taking the 7 train to Shea Stadium in the early 1980's on weekends. NYC was cutting back on subway services. On the weekend the 7 train got much shorter from 11 cars down to 6 cars. I wasn't happy about this. That made the train over crowded, and I didn't want to wait for the next subway because it seemed like they were running on the same schedule as the SIRR every 30 minutes I enjoy listening to the history of the G train. Congrats on 89k views and 3.3k likes. I just gave this video a thumbs up as well 😎👍

[@SLagonia]

A Bronx/Queens Connection would help alleviate Manhattan traffic tremendously. It's a far bigger need than a new Brooklyn/Queens line.

[@MoTheAviator]

The Interborough Express was originally planned to go up to the Bronx, but they cut it back to end in Jackson Heights due to issues with the right of way going through Randall's Island

[@ihuang0922]

​@@MoTheAviatorinteresting. I did not realize that.

[@ihuang0922]

Completely agree.

[@Jmar1024]

Something no one ever talk about. It's because most people commute from those boros to nyc

[@CraigFThompson]

@@MoTheAviator What would've been so wrong with using the two unused trackways on the Hell Gate Bridge?!

[@stephenblomfield6]

excellent video Thea - Being the train nerd that I am I will definitely take a ride on the G train when I next visit NYC in May. Love the idea of the IBX as well, shame these things take so long to come to fruition though. When you do a video on the proposed IBX would be good to see a map with the IBX and the G together to show some context.

[@trainluvr]

Well done and accurate! When lines had names the G was called Crosstown. The line opened north of Nassau Ave mid 1933 and south of Nassau mid 1937.

[@lawrencefosterjenkins8216]

ah, yes, the g sprint. the g stops at my nearest train station and i can always tell who's taking it by how fast they walk to the middle of the platform

[@Zan.Evan.Dawson1243]

You're a natural gifted comedienne...this video is SOOOO TRUE.....I love it!

[@WebSoak]

The M’s termini situation is a result of it being a consolidation of the V & Nassau St M line. The original M service went to Southern Brooklyn via Nassau St

[@WebSoak]

Wouldn’t it be overestimating its length?

[@blaziken23]

Such a fun video! I'm new on New York as an International student. I am just so fascinated with NYC subway haha

[@subwayfan200]

The G is actually 5 cars now ever since they started running the newer trains on it. It was 4 cars with the older trains

[@TheNoerdy]

She mentioned that

[@trainluvr]

The older train cars are 75 feet long, the newer are 60 so same length but more doors now.

[@dubreil07]

What cars do they use now? The r179. It’s still the same overall length the cars are just smaller

[@3hukwuma]

​@@dubreil07 r160

[@dubreil07]

@@3hukwumayea same as r179 the cars are smaller than r68 so it’s similar length overall when they were 4 cars

[@veritasinvicta2996]

I live out in Brownsville, Eastern Brooklyn. The L train is likewise very convenient, to go straight through Brooklyn into 14 th street Manhattan while avoiding the downtown bottleneck that the 3 or 4 train have to travel through. I love train and subway information, I have ridden every line in the NYC Subway, I even had train sets as a child. Thanks for posting an excellent informative video. Subbed!

[@Jmar1024]

"Soon" the IBX will run along the L on the structure in Brownsville. It's the abandoned track along Van Sindren

[@frednich9603]

We rode the G late last night to get to LIC, and again today to eat lunch at pierozek (amazing lunch BTW). We love the G!

[@glmike523]

I used to use the "G" train back in the day when it was called the "GG." If you think there are horrors with in now, On a Sunday, they ran no more than 3 separate consists with a wait of over 30 minutes. But during Rush Hour service, they ran 8 cars per consist. FYI

[@robertko5425]

I was with mostly 6 car R type 60 foot cars, and 6 car R46's as well.

[@BDavinci06]

Pro Tip: If you want to get from Forest Hills -71st Avenue to Metropolitan Avenue vice versa without going through Manhattan take the M or R train to 63rd Drive and take the Q38 bus. That is from a motorman on the MTA. (G)reat video on the G line. I'm very glad that is getting much attention. Also to point out the G train used to end as Smith & 9th Streets when it ran from Forest Hills Continental Avenue then later was extended down to Church Avenue. One reason was provide better employee facilities on the other end of the terminal whereas at Smith & 9th there wasn't any until returning to Court Square or Forest Hills-71st Avenue

[@fortnitesweatkid]

Why doesn’t the G train go on forest hills

[@alanye8946]

Thr G is actually a pretty important line. It conects two boroughs that dont have much connection. It not going to Manhattan is important as it is the only line doing so. The G should be appreciated.

[@Journal_Squareee]

Funfact: The G originally went to Forest Hills and Jamaica-179 St(to replace the F which was truncated to 21 St) But due to the lack of trains for the other lines. The G was permanently back at Court Square

[@wafiywahidi3317]

That explains the meaning of G spot.

[@CraigFThompson]

Sup'm to play with there...

[@BJMediaTransit8516]

Wow so the lack of train availabilities to matching with frequencies of service is why the G got shorter in 2010, can’t believe I never realized that till now. Thanks for the info!

[@HesJustSteven]

That was actually some really good and accurate math she did because that was the EXACT reason. More shorter trains to basically move the same amount of people. Well played game by the MTA.

[@Mgameing123]

Can't really see how thats possible because the rearranging would mean MTA would anyways needa buy new cab cars.

[@HesJustSteven]

@@Mgameing123 remember there are some R46s set up as married pairs, and the yard was able to mix and match A and B cars. Either way, they did the math to make sure everything was set up right.

[@YAZZYUTUBE]

The G (formally GG) used to go to Forest Hills at all times. The train has always been 4 cars long except during rush hours when it was 8 cars long all the way back when it was using the R1/9 trains. I've been riding the Queens Blvd line since the 1960s and I find it hard to believe the MTA hasn't found funding to extend the G in 60 years.

[@smythfamily8321]

I used the g train during my time in ny. It took me where no other train would!

[@Da__goat]

I'd love for them to take the G, extend it to Laguardia and down to Staten Island along the tracks of the R. They won't do that in my lifetime but it would bring more usability to an underutilized service

[@fredashay]

The G train isn't silly! We need more trains that let you travel directly through the outer boroughs without having to transfer in Manhattan! And if I was the MTA I'd continue the G train up to Astoria and then extend the line into the Bronx.

[@patricksanders858]

When you realize you'll need to take a bus in NYC, suddenly the Lyft/ Uber don't seem so expensive!

[@anniinnyc7905]

Hi Thea, I love the pic when you mention the length of G train, there is a big mice behind those cars!!! so cute and detailed lol

[@wilfredonievesjr]

I used to take what was the "GG" train to Aviation High School in the early 1980s. I left NY for the Airforce 38 plus years ago. It is on my bucket list of things to do in NY. (my final and only) return to my birthplace.

[@chuckford5927]

I remember riding the G train when it was the GG train...now I'm really feeling old. 😁

[@TheAmazingallan]

The worst part of the G train is the lack of direct transfer with the J/Z lines. It runs right by it and is literally one block away. So frustrating as someone who lives right on the J and struggles to get to Greenpoint or deeper in Brooklyn easily

[@robertko5425]

They should offer a free out of system transfer from Lorimer Street on the (J) and (M) lines to the Broadway Union Avenue (G) line station, and problem solved.

[@Jmar1024]

It's literally right below the J/Z at Broadway. Manhattan is the main focus of the MTA. That's where most of the jobs are

[@TheAmazingallan]

@@Jmar1024 I get they run by another, but it's not a free transfer. It should be.

[@Jmar1024]

@@TheAmazingallan oh I know. I totally agree with u

[@bowiesnodgrass]

Actually the G train is more important than you think. Because there's so many people in brooklyn and queens, this line helps people get through those places without too many transfers or a detour through manhattan. Unfortunatley, the MTA isn't very nice to it. In 2010, they cut off it's service to 71st street where it ran to for 40 years. It also shortened its trains to four cars long, where before, they where 6 cars long and even 8 cars long. Truth be told, the G train is one of the most underrated lines in all of the NYC transit.

[@phantastik3389]

If you're going to Queens from Brooklyn over the weekend, like, Jamaica Queens or deeper, you're better off taking the LIRR. I will cost you 5 bucks but its worth it! The J and all them other trains take forever and if you take the bus, forget it!

[@ronaryel6445]

A very nice, insightful video. Our hostess has lots of enthusiasm and charm. I have a couple of observations, though: 1. The G train' route was shortened because of the completion of the 63rd St Connector project meaning more train service from Manhattan would replace the G on Queens Blvd. During the hearings on this, I pushed the MTA to create a fully ADA-compliant station cluster at Court Square. The MTA agreed. This took 20 years to accomplish, with the most recent work just now finishing. A crucial transfer to the 7 train was built as part of this (the G did not connect to the 7 prior to the 63rd St Line's connection to Queens Blvd. Lastly, while the G is the only single line connecting Queens to Brooklyn without traveling to Manhattan, rider have several options to do this depending on where they are and where they want to go. In 1988, the Archer Avenue Subway Extension created a transfer at Sutphin Blvd. allowing north-south travel between Queens and Brooklyn using the E train under Queens Blvd, connecting to the J subway. Passengers in Jamaica, Queens can take the A train from Queens to Brooklyn. Lastly, the M subway from Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village, Queens, will take you to Brooklyn.

[@shadowtoad95]

Speaking of trains not entering in Manhattan, I do have another train in mind that might be another of those, but would only work if QueenLink is passed. With QueensLink, M trains will be rerouted away from Forest Hills and go to Rockaway Park using the Rockaway Beach branch. In the future, however, if demand calls for it, which I doubt, I thought of having two additional side platforms at Woodhaven Boulevard (when it converts to an express stop, so Woodhaven Boulevard would have 6 tracks at the same level) and convert the side platforms of 63rd Drive to island platforms, with the outer platforms covering the line between Rockaway and the Bronx at Throgs Neck via LaGuardia Airport, Flushing, and Whitestone.

[@davidk.1089]

My mom grew up in Borough Park and I think she used the G train frequently. Good memories for her.

[@znxchngames]

The J Train Literally is a one seat ride to Queens or Manhattan

[@Jmar1024]

I live in that tiny area in Brooklyn where NO trains go. The IBX means nothing to me, but i use the G and I'm all for the IBX and extending the sad G train

[@beatleplayer1011]

In high school we called it the ghost train In college I didn’t take it cause I never needed to but after I graduated I took it and was shocked i actually could take it

[@BJMediaTransit8516]

The G train swapped fleet with the N/Q/W and nowadays share fleet with the E/F/R as of October 8th through November 1st of 2021. 5 car sets of 60 foot long R160 fleet are what we have for the G instead of 4 car sets of 75 foot long R46, R68, and R68A cars which the remainder of those were given to the N/Q/W. The fleet swap was because of balancing flows of the R160s maintained in Jamaica Yard given CBTC testing taking place along Queens Boulevard (E/F/M/R lines in Queens) to allow easier movements between the G route and other trackages nearby, plus CBTC testing on Culver also seemed to be a reason. CBTC testing (Communication Based Train Control) tends to work better with newer trains from the 2000s eras and onward and also this given reason for the G to become R160 is for both of its ends being reachable to the other lines that its R160s are shared with, as well as Jamaica Yard being where those R160s are being maintained at is near the Queens Boulevard Line.

[@BJMediaTransit8516]

A 75 foot long set of R46/R68/R68A fleet with a 4 car train is about the size of a 60 foot long set of R160 fleet with a 5 car train. The R160 five car sets that used to do the N, Q, and W lines were gradually moved to Jamaica Yard in place of ALL the R46s that were there from 2019 to 2021 (although some R160s still park in Coney Island Yard but aren’t totally maintained there anymore), given the Queens Boulevard Line CBTC testing. About 21-22 months into Queens Boulevard Line CBTC testing, it was later decided that the G had to change fleet as well so those very few R160s that did the N/Q/W from December 2019 to October 2021 were moved back to Jamaica Yard for maintenance (but still park though at Coney Island Yard), and then were given the G route to do, and the older trains on the G were given to the N/Q/W instead (those being the R46/R68/R68A sets which those specific sets are nowadays all based out of and maintained at Coney Island Yard).

[@nicolasblume1046]

Are there plans to increase the length of the trains on the g train, now as more new trains are delivered? The demand is there already for 6-8 cars

[@dubreil07]

Remember the days when the G train was already using r46 from Jamaica

[@robertko5425]

@@dubreil07 A long time ago, the (GG) (todays G train) operated 6 car trains of R1/9's, R10's, R16's, R32's, R38's, R40M's and R42's as well as 6 car R46's using those ex- Pitkin Yard 2 car unit R46's that were formerly used on the discontinued JFK Express from 1978 till 1990. The only cars that never saw service on the (G) or (GG) were the R11's and R27/30's. The AB types almost ran on the (GG) back in 1965-1966 when Jamaica Yard was having maintenance issues with its R1/9 fleet which were dropping like flies back then, thus the R38's were assigned to Jamaica Yard for the (E) & (F) lines instead of its original assignment for the (D) which was planned to use the Chrystie Street cut into the BMT Brighton Line making the (D) line the showcase line with new R38 cars.

[@madant22]

Definitely need to hear about this Ibx train line.

[@enverrrrrrrr]

I love the G Train, you can literally go to Barclays center without waiting like 30 stops on the R train 😂

[@enverrrrrrrr]

The stop is Fulton btw

[@jerrymarasco683]

The reason for five cars is the new style Kawasaki trains are in 5 car units. So, you can make a 10-car Train by using two of those five car units.

[@Ilikeyoutube-qwp]

The M train is like this because before the cut their was a V line which I believe was the northern part of the M like and the Brown M which was the lower portion of the G train

[@Angeprof]

The G train went directly under our Brooklyn apt during all hours of the day and night.

[@adammars1438]

Anyone else agrees on the fact the MTA should extend the G to Forest Hills during weeknights and weekends? Pretty much to fill in for the M and help the R 🙌

[@lopwr1212]

adam

[@adammars1438]

@@lopwr1212 that’s me

[@davidfreeman3083]

Most definitely. Especially given that these outer borough travels are even more popular on weekends compared to Manhattan. Although I also wish there eventually will be a way to connect the G train to Astoria.

[@eriklakeland3857]

Queenslink would restore the G to Forest Hills.

[@dubreil07]

They need to restore it entirely not just for weekends and nights

[@JoseNunez-hh1yr]

The G and L are the worst from an employee standpoint. On the train all the time. In answer about the future, the G will be the savior of NYC. I grew up in Queens, you know I was MTA, and saw the complete gentrification of Billy Burg and Queens Plaza. Your great explanation of how really life goes back and forth from Manhattan like breathing lungs, underlines how now Court Square has become the other anchor that ties the entire waterfront to downtown Brooklyn. I was just there, drove on Berry, and Manhattan Av, and was astounded. Believe it, the G had a purpose in the 1930's. It'll have a greater one now.(Btw, the IBX is doomed to be the 2nd Ave subway of the 22nd Century, as it should be)

[@langstonreese7077]

Fun fact: Every station after smith 9th st on the (G) line is a different shade of green. Well because it’s the (G) train and Green starts with green of course. That’s my fav part of the (G) 🟢 line

[@professional.commentator]

I actually live not too far away from the G train line, but I usually take the F train at Ditmas Ave to get to work because that train station is closer. But a few times I had to take the G train at Church Ave because I ended up working on the weekend and for some reason the F train was either not running or not running as often. So funny enough I was doing the G sprint as well! I didn't expect the train to be so short.

[@mohamad-ms2pb]

Anyone here old enough to remember when the stations on the G were lit by those dim light bulbs?

[@CraigFThompson]

Same as most of the other stations, btw....

[@FB-ch5yz]

The G train used to go to Forest Hills so it was pre v and then m going out there. Yeah I remember it being 6 cars . I’ definitely wasn’t on a4 car train lol. Always been one of my favorite lines since I got my barbers was there and one of my girlfriends were there. Pushing it out to court sq was annoying to me but it is what it is. It’s so nice not to have to go through Manhattan. Spot on with the looping of the m train or at least put one more stop in between them to make it walkable to the forest hills stop or metropolitan ave stop.

[@snramadhan]

you're underrated

[@CraigFThompson]

And quite a FOX t'boot!

[@Dogsnark]

The last time I was in NYC, you weren’t born yet! So why did I find this video so interesting? I am a NY fanboy, actually, and everything about our largest and greatest city fascinates me. I subscribed!

[@mariowalker9048]

M and J train can both take you from queens to Brooklyn. The M runs on the Brooklyn Queens border via ridgewood and the J can take you from Jamica queens into Willamsburg without going through Manhattan.

[@ryansharp9550]

6:35 The G train is the shortest NON-SHUTTLE service, though it is shorter than the 42nd Street Shuttle, albeit by 5 feet. The shortest service, train lengthwise is the Franklin Avenue Shuttle, since it operates 2 car married pairs of R68 cars and totals to 150 feet in length, while the G operates 5 car R160 trains, which total to 301 feet in length 9:29 the reason G train switched from primarily R68A cars was because the G train operates out of Jamaica yard, which is also home to the E, F, and R trains. Communications Based Train Control was installed on the IND Queens Boulevard Line, and the R46 cars and and R68(A) cars aren't capable of operating under it. As a result, all of Jamaica's R46 cars got sent to Coney Island for use on the N, Q, and W, and all of Coney Island's R160 cars were sent to Jamaica for use on the E, F, and R lines. I am unsure why the G primarily operates R68A cars, though because as far as I am aware, Jamaica didn't have any SMEE cars prior to the swap. Perhaps it was jointly operated by both Coney Island and Jamaica? Edit:added explanation of fleet change

[@jamesstephens9702]

Thanks for sharing this video

[@raymondhummel3808]

I miss the G running to 71 Continental Avenue Forest Hills. That ended around 2002. Also the M did run from Metropolitan Avenue to Broad Street before 2008. The M was rerouted with the elimination of the weekday V train.

[@xmega9526]

It should run there on Weekend service since the M line doesn't run to Forest Hills on weekends so why not give us a 2nd local Queens Blvd line?

[@robertko5425]

@@xmega9526 True - the (R) line is really terrible whenever it runs to Forest Hills 71 Ave LOCAL all the way from Bay Ridge 95 Street with its 1 hour and 36 minutes all stop marathon. Service is very spotty at best, even with newer R160 cars providing all service on same. The (M) should operate to Forest Hills 71 Ave instead of to Essex Street Delancey Street from 8AM to 8PM Sat & Sun to help out the Rancid, Rarely or Rotten (R) local train which often runs in bunches like many very long bus lines in NYC. The (R) was at one time one of the BEST lines in the system when it operated to Astoria Ditmars Blvd from Bay Ridge 95 Street with its only 1 hour and 4 minutes running time which is much shorter that going to the much longer line to Forest Hills 71 Ave which was the (N) line's terminal for a long time.

[@alexvasquez2464]

We can visit other planets and terraform our own but connecting the G to the J/M/Z is beyond our capabilities.

[@watermelon_boy9523]

for real

[@Jmar1024]

Lol

[@CraigFThompson]

@Alex, you have the mind of Dick Gregory; he went along the same lines, but pertaining to TV broadcasts being able to send clear images of the moon landing, but totally unable to send a clear pucture of an "Underalls" commercial from a mile away! Putting useless levity aside, I note that NYC STILL can't connect Staten Island to Brooklyn!!

[@clarklk]

I'll be in NYC in a couple of weeks!! I've just added a G Train ride onto my to-do list! I'm going to start getting into shape NOW for my G Train sprint.

[@iloveanything1017]

The R211 is now in service. Soon it will displace trains, allowing more trains to be on the G🎉.

[@jagenigma]

The MTA also made a deep grave error having the G terminate at 21st. If they could at least make it a weekend line to Forest Hills 71st Ave, they could ease congestion in the QBL line.

[@hhvictor2462]

I think the G line was originally single purposed. It was meant to serve workers of defense plants located in nearby routes during World War II. After the war, those factories shut down and, predictably, ridership declined. But the trains still run to this day.

[@JoseNunez-hh1yr]

Wow! That's a new take! Please expound, very interesting.

[@dwdwone]

I used to ride this train in the late 50s when i was a kid. I think it was the GG back then and was a local that ran from Jamaica 179th to Coney Island but i could be wrong.

[@Jmar1024]

It did go to Coney Island, it was the F express

[@TheOnyomiMaster]

When they bought R160s and R179s they should have lengthened the G trains and taken fewer older cars out of service. Or just bought more new cars. But it's the MTA, doing anything right is too expensive for them. Because 'Murica.

[@mikemuitv]

Bro I wish the g train went to court sq but right now the last station is Bedford lol💀

[@mikemuitv]

And it said reduced service lol💀💀💀

[@lgibs666]

The G used to go between Forest Hills and Smith-9th Sts, Bklyn on weekdays. I took it to school. This was before the V was created, when the N ran between Forest Hills and Coney Island.

[@KrisMcCool]

Me watching someone make fun of how short their 4 car trains are while my city’s using 3 car trains

[@CraigFThompson]

SSHHHEEEEEIIT! Los Angeles uses TWO-CAR TRAINS on their subway during the late off-peak hours!!

[@transitmaestro6410]

Always kinda humorous to listen to someone with almost no knowledge on anything structural, or technical. Or even historical about the NYC Subway state their “claims”. Also the G still ran to Forest hills on weekends until June of 2010

[@anonymous3738]

Too bad the G doesn’t merge onto the QBL anymore. It would be convenient if it did that and used full-length trains, since Brooklyn and Queens are seeing an increase in population. That way, it would be easier to travel between both boroughs without detouring through Manhattan.

[@harveywachtel1091]

Making room for the M was the reason for the iruginal cutting back of the G at Court Square on weekdays, but not for the more recent cutback on weekends. The M doesn't run on the IND Queens Line on weekends. I suspect that the MTA just didn't like the idea of a line with better service in a lower-service time periid. They often seem to underestimate the intelligence if their riders. That weekend Queens service is sorely needed. With the M not running on weekends, there is only the R providing local service on the Queens Line, which leaves many stations [e.g., Woodhaven Blvd, an important bus transfer and location of Queens Center mall] badly underserved.

[@Userman_054]

Bro actually created a love song for a MTA subway line💀💀💀

[@mohammedsarker5756]

5:10 because our bus system is not where it needs to be in regard to reliability. I live a block from an express bus stop and I still prefer walking 15 minutes to the nearest subway stop to waiting for the bus

[@eriklakeland3857]

One of the benefits of Queenslink is that it would free up space to allow the G Train to return Forest Hills full time. Such a great project that I hope gets revived.

[@DChatburn1]

I used to ride the G regularly when I lived in Williamsburg. But mostly I rode the L train almost everyday. Great video - thanks!

[@nomanejane5766]

Do you remember when the G train went to Steinway? Pepperidge Farmrs remembers

[@ricnyc2759]

Yes. It used to go all the way to Forest Hills.

[@SamSitar]

the M line should be a circle.

[@dwdwone]

No, because that would make sense and increase efficiency.

[@CraigFThompson]

@@dwdwone In other words: too much like right.

[@stevenroshni1228]

I'll add that the G train was built by IND, known for making large stations, so it's more than just the platform people have to rush through. IRT built the numbered train lines which have smaller stations when possible

[@B345T1N355Official]

9:20 The (G) was reassigned to Jamaica Yard with the (E) (F) and (R) because of CBTC, and to prepare for CBTC, the Queens Blvd Line, which the E F M and R run on all use R160s, and the E F and R all maintain their trains there which means the G ditched its R68/As it has since those were sent back to Coney Island Yard for the (N) (Q) and (W) trains, while the R46s from the F and R also went to Coney Island Yard for the aforementioned trains. This means all the R160 5-car sets are assigned to Jamaica for the E F G and R trains for CBTC compatibility. I also think the E and F will also get some R211s since those lines get overcrowded on QBL, which may displace some more R160s and can boost either (G) service or adversely move these back to Coney Island Yard for the (B) and (Q) or even Concourse for the (D) since CBTC is coming to Sixth Avenue in the near future. CBTC on 8th Avenue is currently under construction and Fulton Street will also be getting CBTC so the A and C will definitely be a priority for the MTA in terms of newer trains.

[@bkfinestmark]

there definitely needs to be another way to get to queens through Brooklyn I wish there was an express train to queens

[@mynewyork165]

8:15 That's just like the downtown D at Fordham Rd. No one reads the signs that says that the train stops on the opposite track on the weekends & off-hours. So they stand in front of that long wall & end up running for & missing the train.

[@valmarsiglia]

Lol. I lived at the Carroll St stop for 13 years, so the G was a constant presence. It was handy for getting from my part of town to north Brooklyn, I'll give it that. Used to take it to Metropolitan. Going from south to north BK on public transport sucked. Without the G, you'd pretty much have to go into Manhattan and take the L.

[@ahmadfrw1]

One time, the (G) ran to 179th Street in Jamaica during Late Nights when the line was a Forest Hills to Smith - 9th Street line.

[@nancyoffenhiser4916]

I'm old enough to remember the GG! ❤

[@lotuslire]

this is such a great video ! thanks for making it so delightful

[@RudieObias]

"There's always a 'G' at the end of waiting!" 🤣 But seriously, as someone who has lived off the G train (Bedford-Nostrand and Fulton) for more than 15 years, I love the G train-if you don't have to go to Manhattan. I'm also a movie buff and some of the best movie theaters-like both Nitehawk locations, BAM, Alamo Drafthouse, (kinda) Spectacle, and at one point, Court Street (RIP) and Videology (RIP)-in Brooklyn are off the G train. But I get it, it's not as frequent as other trains, but it's getting better year over year. However, the G on the weekend is kind of a disaster. I'd also thrown in the C train at all times in Brooklyn as a disaster too.

[@robertko5425]

You can also add the (R) train as a weekend disaster as well whenever it operates local on its full route which is very problematic at best with its 1 hour and 36 minutes all local running time. Talk about LOUZY SERVICE.

[@jricoc3475]

I don't know if you or your parents did not grow up in NYC, but if you talk to people who have been there for 40 or more years they will tell you that the subway lines were built and designed to provide everyday transit from individual neighborhoods. You talked about the L, in addition to the G, but failed to mention any of the areas served by those lines. One could live in those parts of Brooklyn or Queens and go months without going into Manhattan. Many of the trips were between neighborhoods like Bushwick, Park Slope, Bed-Stuy, or Borough Park to Downtown Brooklyn. Lots of morning commutes to jobs in Brooklyn and Western Queens, or, for folks like me, to schools between Bed-Stuy and Ridgewood, or Fort Greene.

[@HesJustSteven]

You were right about the G to Forest Hills on the weekends when you said it, so the text correction wasn't necessary. The G was only scheduled to Forest Hills on weekends, late nights, and evenings (the only times the G was scheduled to serve Forest Hills on weekdays), yet rarely saw that service because construction would happen during weekends and overnights, and during the weekdays, they can't run three lines on the same track as that causes massive delays in service so when the V ran , the G couldn't, and if work were to happen, they would just cut R and V service early, and send the E and F, but not the G. And yes, the G runs 5 car trains....of 60 feet in length each, still being 300 foot long trains, the same length as when it was 4 car trains of 75 feet long. The longest was their 450 foot era with 6 cars.

[@AgathaLOutahere]

The G train served a purpose when it was designed, that being improved access to what was a heavily industrialized Brooklyn and Queens waterfront. That industry is of course long gone.

[@bengyman2]

I just moved to Greenpoint yesterday!

[@queensmum]

Awesome video. FR saw an elderly couple have to run down the whole platform to catch the G train. Also, bus can be better, but you have to know where you’re going because many of the buses don’t show the names of the stops, only the new buses have the screens with the stops and sometimes the displays don’t work. This can be stressful if you don’t know the area or at night when you can’t see the street signs. A workaround is to have Google maps up on your phone in real time to show you what streets you’re passing/the directions to where you’re going. There definitely needs to be better public transit between Brooklyn and Queens. I can’t tell you how many times I plug in directions to go somewhere in Brooklyn and it says take a train all the way into Manhattan then back out to Brooklyn, with an hour and a half or more travel time, when it would take maybe 20 minutes or half an hour by car. But even Ubering it, you’re looking at minimum $35-40 with tip. Often bus is the best option but because of all the stops it can take almost as long as the train, or there simply may not be service to where you want to go without complicated transfers. Sorry for the venting, lol! Maybe the best solution is to have some (more?) express bus lines to replicate what would have been a Queens/Brooklyn connector. I’d definitely visit Brooklyn more with my family if it was easier to get to.

[@gerardcooney1810]

When I grew up in Greenpoint in the 60's and 70's Nobody cared about the G train,which used to be the GG.Once the Hipsters took over the Neighborhood all they do is complain.Just curious when this young lady would like the track work to be done.

[@kevinerosa]

I lived on Bedford and Lafayette for 25 years. G-Train for life.😂😂

[@VinceHere98]

I honestly hope that one day the G is extended to 10 cars, because having it run with only 4 or 5 cars is honestly pretty dumb. Like, that should be reserved for shuttles, not full-length lines.

[@ThatBronxRailfanner]

Just a little clarity on the G train model switch. No, the G doesn't have more capacity by having 5 cars instead of 4. 4 of the older cars are the same length as 5 of the newer cars as those older cars were longer. 4 × 75' = 300' 5 × 60' " 300' This was to accommodate the future automated signals on Queens Blvd and the F Line in Brooklyn (where G trains are stored), and now, the G line itself will receive that signaling! Maybe you should cover the upcoming G train shutdown that's coming up this summer!

[@Sylveonkpopnyct]

the gentrified line.

[@Bassotronics]

0:32 has always been one of the most mysterious places on the subway system due to the hidden tunnel at the bridge. Yep.. a tunnel under a bridge… very strange. Recently they removed the tracks but it’s still there.

[@trainluvr]

What are u talking?

[@Bassotronics]

@@trainluvr There is a tunnel in between the tracks on that bridge. The tunnel comes out to the top bridge area between those two stations.

[@trainluvr]

@@Bassotronics There is a curious configuration there, but the underside of the bridge is flush from edge to edge and just a couple of feet lower than the rails. All I know is I wish I had a video of the original wooden escalators I rode there in 1981. It was loud in there.

[@robroy6374]

yes, an 5th track between smith 9th and 4th avenue. the 5th track was leveled while the the other 4 tracks ascend to smith 9th street. the 5th track was removed in the early 2010s as part of the culver viaduct rehab project.

[@dwdwone]

Do you mean a tunnel under the Gowanus?

[@peronik349]

Your G-line indeed seems to be of "superior quality" :) We also have "epic" quality lines in Paris (France) like lines A and B Line A is just The busiest line in the world! 1.1 million passengers per working day (~85% of Dallas population...) Circulating on an east / west axis it connects along its 109 km, among others, the EuroDisney park and the business district of Paris La Defense through Paris. As for line B, it is not to be outdone, it is ONLY the second most used line per working day with a "small" score of 900,000 passengers per working day (triple your G line...) Circulating on a north/south axis, it connects along its 80 km the 3 airports of Paris: Roissy-Charles-de-Gaule to the far north. Le Bourget at the northern gates of Paris (for private aviation), Orly south of Paris while crossing Paris. This line B must undergo 2 big problems. first of all, it must be the only metro line in the world to be in fact 2 half lines! ! ! ! During the design of this line in the 70s and 80s there were 2 concurrent projects, the authorities took the northern half of one, the southern half of the other WITHOUT merging them....... For the past 40 years we had 2 1/2 lines that spoke little to each other....(now it's better) The other big problem of the line, the 2 1/2 line unions (very present), they don't speak to each other very much either and above all rarely syncronize even for strikes (a French tradition that we would like to lose)

[@lzh4950]

Thought Tokyo's Yamanote Line is even busier with ~3.5m passengers daily

[@kevinb8881]

The shortest train in the entire NYC subway is the BMT Franklin Avenue Shuttle, 2 75-feet R68 cars on each train!!

[@deepnation10009]

I knew someone was going to bring that up. That's a shuttle though with only 4 stops. Also, the stations on that line are appropriate for the lengths of those cars, so she's is correct.

[@kevinb8881]

@@deepnation10009 That's a damn ass lie, LOL, j/k, yes you are correct, technically speaking, BMT Franklin Avenue Shuttle is a "shuttle"!!

[@deepnation10009]

@@kevinb8881 😅😅😅😅

[@CraigFThompson]

WRONG! That honor belongs to the 42nd street shuttle. Btw, she DID mention "not counting the shuttles....".

[@kevinb8881]

@@CraigFThompson WRONG!!! IRT 42nd St. Shuttle uses 6 51-foot R62A cars (306 ft train), 306>150!!😁

[@brokeandnamelessnyc]

I’m in my “F*** the city” era so I’ve been loving the G lately.

[@enzomonti3625]

Wouldn’t be nice for you to tell people “to keep walking” too?

[@UrbanCaffeine]

Haha, maybe I should next time.