View source for G (New York City Subway service)

{{short description|Rapid transit service}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox NYCS service
| service = G
| name = Brooklyn-Queens Crosstown
| image1 = R211 G train at Court Square September 2025.jpg
| alt1=A "G" train of R211A subway cars at Court Square
| caption1 = A G train of [[R211 (New York City Subway car)|R211A]]s at [[Court Square (IND Crosstown Line)|Court Square]]
| north term = [[Court Square (IND Crosstown Line)|Court Square]]
| south term = [[Church Avenue (IND Culver Line)|Church Avenue]]
| stations = 21
| depot = [[Coney Island Yard]]
| started = {{start date and age|1933|08|19}}
| map = {{G (New York City Subway service)}}
| map_state = collapsed
}}

The '''G Brooklyn-Queens Crosstown'''<ref name="timetable">{{NYCS const|timetable|G}}</ref> is an {{convert|11.4|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}}<ref name="mta.info" /> [[rapid transit]] service in the [[B Division (New York City Subway)|B Division]] of the [[New York City Subway]]. Its route emblem, or "bullet", is colored {{NYCS const|color|lightgreen}} since it uses the [[IND Crosstown Line]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/developers/resources/line_colors.htm |title=Mta.info – Line Colors |work=mta.info |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016104324/http://web.mta.info/developers/resources/line_colors.htm |archive-date=October 16, 2016 }}</ref>

The G operates 24 hours daily between [[Court Square (IND Crosstown Line)|Court Square]] in [[Long Island City, Queens]], and [[Church Avenue (IND Culver Line)|Church Avenue]] in [[Kensington, Brooklyn]] and makes all stops along the full route. It is the only non-[[S (New York City Subway service)|shuttle service]] in the system that does not serve the borough of [[Manhattan]]. The G serves two stations in [[Queens]]—Court Square and [[21st Street (IND Crosstown Line)|21st Street]], both in Long Island City. Prior to 2010, it served the [[IND Queens Boulevard Line]] between Court Square and [[Forest Hills–71st Avenue (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|71st Avenue]] in [[Forest Hills, Queens|Forest Hills]]. In 1939 and 1940, the then-designated '''GG''' also used the now-demolished [[IND World's Fair Line]] to access the [[1939 New York World's Fair]]. The GG, which became the G in 1985, had its southern terminal at [[Smith–Ninth Streets (IND Culver Line)|Smith–Ninth Streets]] from 1976 to 2009.

In the 21st century, the G suffered from a wide range of issues that has resulted in complaints by people living along the route. These issues included an inadequacy of transfers to other services; the lack of direct service to Manhattan; short train lengths; and low frequencies. Since the 2000s, several improvements have been made to the G, including a route extension in [[Brooklyn]] and a full-route audit in 2013 that identified solutions for issues on the G service. {{As of|2023}}, additional improvements are planned for the G route, including the [[Automation of the New York City Subway|automation]] of the entire route.

==History==

=== Early service ===
The original Brooklyn–Queens Crosstown Local service began on August 19, 1933, as a shuttle between [[Queens Plaza (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|Queens Plaza]] on the [[IND Queens Boulevard Line]] and [[Nassau Avenue (IND Crosstown Line)|Nassau Avenue]]. This service was designated GG because the IND used double letters to indicate local service. Starting on April 24, 1937, GG trains were extended to [[Forest Hills–71st Avenue (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|Forest Hills–71st Avenue]] during rush hours, serving as the Queens Boulevard local while {{NYCS|E}} trains ran express west of 71st Avenue.<ref name="INDServicesChart">{{cite web|title=Independent Subway Services Beginning in 1932|url=http://www.thejoekorner.com/lines/Indhistory.htm|via=thejoekorner.com|access-date=August 2, 2015|date=August 21, 2013}}</ref> The entire [[IND Crosstown Line]] was completed on July 1, 1937, including the connection to the [[IND Culver Line]] (then the South Brooklyn Line) at [[Bergen Street (IND Culver Line)|Bergen Street]].<ref>{{cite news |title=New Crosstown Subway Line Is Opened |url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52688792/?terms=crosstown%2Bsubway |access-date=December 24, 2015 |publisher=[[Brooklyn Daily Eagle]] |date=July 1, 1937}}</ref> Although some retrospective accounts have intimated that GG service initially ran at all times between Forest Hills–71st Avenue and [[Church Avenue (IND Culver Line)|Church Avenue]] before being truncated,<ref name=BklynPaper-GExt-July2012/> a contemporaneous article from ''The New York Times'' reported that the [[Smith–Ninth Streets (IND Culver Line)|Smith–Ninth Streets]] station served as the GG's original Brooklyn terminus.<ref>{{cite news |title=CITY SUBWAY LINK IN KINGS IS TESTED: Crosstown Line, to Be Opened Thursday, Will Connect Queens and Brooklyn IT IS 41/2 MILES IN LENGTH Cost $35,000,000 and Ends Transit Program Except for the 6th Ave Route EXERCISES FOR OPENING Mayor, City Officials and Civic Leaders to Ride Trains and Attend Luncheon |newspaper=The New York Times |date=27 June 1937 |page=31 |id={{ProQuest|102058706}} |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/06/27/archives/city-subway-link-in-kings-is-tested-crosstown-line-to-be-opened.html }}</ref>

From April 30 to November 1, 1939, and from May 11 to October 28, 1940, GG trains were extended via the temporary [[IND World's Fair Line]] to World's Fair Station at Horace Harding Boulevard at all times during the [[1939 New York World's Fair|1939–1940 World's Fair]].<ref name="Linder 2009">{{Cite journal|last=Linder|first=Bernard|date=July 2009|title=GG/G Train Service|url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2009/2009-07-bulletin.pdf|journal=The Bulletin|publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association|volume=52|issue=7|pages=2|access-date=May 20, 2020|archive-date=May 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526014727/https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2009/2009-07-bulletin.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Trains were marked as S Special.<ref name="The New York Times 1940">{{cite news|date=November 26, 1940|title=End of Subway Spur To Fair Now Urged: Transportation Board Asks the Right to Demolish It|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/11/26/archives/end-of-subway-spur-to-fair-now-urged-transportation-board-asks-the.html|url-status=live|access-date=July 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709170116/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9500E5DF1438E532A25755C2A9679D946193D6CF|archive-date=July 9, 2015}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes-FairSubway-1939">{{cite news|date=April 30, 1939|title=How To Get To The Fair Grounds; By Subway|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/30/archives/how-to-get-to-the-fair-grounds-by-subway.html|url-status=live|access-date=July 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709153126/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9C07E4DA113EE33ABC4850DFB2668382629EDE|archive-date=July 9, 2015}}</ref> The fair closed on October 28, 1940, with the station and line being demolished later that year.<ref name="The New York Times 1940" /> As a result, GG service was truncated to Forest Hills–71st Avenue.<ref name="NYTimes-CityRide10C-1939">{{cite web|title=CITY SUBWAY RIDE TO FAIR TO COST 10¢ Board Holds Dime Charge Is Necessary to Pay for Branch Line to the Grounds |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1939/02/18/94679928.pdf |website=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=July 6, 2015 |date=February 18, 1939 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=NEW SUBWAY SPUR IS READY TO OPEN: First Train to Start Four Minutes Before the Fair Officially Begins |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/17/archives/new-subway-spur-is-ready-to-open-first-train-to-start-four-minutes.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=July 7, 2015 |date=April 17, 1939 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709145239/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9404E5D7103CE73ABC4F52DFB2668382629EDE |archive-date=July 9, 2015 }}</ref> Additional GG service was provided for the [[1964 New York World's Fair]], running nonstop between [[Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets station]] and [[Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street station|Roosevelt Avenue]] every 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and 3:30&nbsp;pm. It took 23 minutes for trains to travel between the two stations.<ref name="Linder 2009" />

===1960s to 1990s===
<div class="thumb tright">
{| width="80"
|[[File:GG Train (1967-1979).svg|64px]]
|-
|<div class="thumbcaption">The bullet used from 1967 to 1979</div>
|}
</div>
<div class="thumb tright">
{| width="80"
|[[File:GG Train (1979-1985).svg|64px]]
|-
|<div class="thumbcaption">The bullet used from 1979 to 1985</div>
|}
</div>

On August 19, 1968, service was extended to Church Avenue during rush hours to allow for the introduction of {{NYCS|F}} express service on the IND Culver Line.<ref name=MTA-FLineReview-2009/><ref>{{Cite news|date=August 18, 1968|title=5 Fast Lines to Coney|pages=4|work=New York Daily News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30291357/5-fast-lines-to-coney/|access-date=May 20, 2020}}</ref> Since riders at local stations complained about the loss of direct service to [[Manhattan]], F trains to and from Kings Highway began making local stops. All peak-direction F trains began running local on January 19, 1976.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Linder|first=Bernard|date=June 2009|title=Houston Street and Smith Street Subways|url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2009/2009-06-bulletin.pdf|journal=The Bulletin|publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association|volume=52|issue=6|pages=2–4|access-date=May 20, 2020|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107045346/https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2009/2009-06-bulletin.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> On August 30, 1976, due to budget cuts, remaining F express service north of Church Avenue was eliminated and GG service was cut back to Smith–Ninth Streets.<ref name="MTA-FLineReview-2009">{{cite web|title=Review of F Line Operations, Ridership, And Infrastructure|url=http://www.nysenate.gov/files/pdfs/flinereport_0.pdf|website=[[New York State Senate|nysenate.gov]]|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority|MTA]] [[New York City Transit Authority]]|access-date=July 28, 2015|date=October 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531101000/http://www.nysenate.gov/files/pdfs/flinereport_0.pdf|archive-date=May 31, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/30393951262/ |title=Service Adjustment on BMT and IND Lines Effective 1 A.M. Monday, Aug. 30 |date=August 1976 |via=Flickr |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |access-date=October 23, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105070318/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292%40N06/30393951262/ |archive-date=January 5, 2017 }}</ref> On January 24, 1977, as part of a series of NYCTA service cuts to save $13&nbsp;million, many subway lines began running shorter trains again during middays. As part of the change, GG trains began running with four cars between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30&nbsp;pm.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cosgrove|first=Vincent|date=January 28, 1977|title=Straphangers: Mini-Train Idea Comes Up Short|work=New York Daily News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91232714/|access-date=December 27, 2021}}</ref> On August 27, 1977, GG service was cut back to Queens Plaza during late nights, and local service along Queens Boulevard was provided by the {{NYCS|F}}.<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/27461551962/ |title=Service Adjustments on the BMT and IND Lines Effective Midnight, Saturday, August 27 New York City Transit Authority (1977) |via=Flickr – Photo Sharing! |access-date=June 9, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915071754/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292%40N06/27461551962/ |archive-date=September 15, 2016 }}</ref> Effective May 6, 1985, use of double letters to indicate local service was discontinued, so the GG was relabeled G.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=http://www.thejoekorner.com/brochures/kwhat2.gif |title=What's a K Train? |first=Joe |last=Korman |via=TheJoeKorner}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/27733842265/ |title=Hey, What's a "K" Train? 1985 Brochure |via=Flickr – Photo Sharing! |access-date=June 17, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915071759/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292%40N06/27733842265/ |archive-date=September 15, 2016 }}</ref>

Afterwards, as part of the New York City Transit Authority's proposed service plan to serve the new Archer Avenue Line upper level, the G would have been extended to Jamaica Center during weekends and evenings when N trains terminated at 71st Avenue or [[57th Street–Seventh Avenue station|57th Street–Seventh Avenue]]. During late nights, a G train shuttle would have run between Jamaica Center and [[Briarwood station|Van Wyck Boulevard]]. On weekdays, the extension would have been served by N trains. This service plan would have allowed E and F trains to remain on the Queens Boulevard mainline toward 179th Street.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/GP36Chris/Subway/roll2.jpg|title=R46 Subway Car Rollsign|website=Photobucket|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=September 8, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v93/GP36Chris/Subway/roll3.jpg|title=R46 Subway Car Rollsign|website=Photobucket|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=September 8, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indsecondsystem.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/0/0/10005869/img-9892.jpg|title=A View of the Western Car Dropoff/Pickup Area. A Sign Outlining the Proposed Services Following the Opening of the Archer Avenue Subway Can Be Seen – N Trains, Which Served the Queens Boulevard Line Until 1987, Would Have Run to Jamaica Center, Along with the G, Which Served the Queens Boulevard Line Until 2010. In Addition, A Sealed Passage to the Northwestern of Union Turnpike Upper Level and Queens Boulevard Can Be Made out by the Arched Ceiling to the Right of the Subway Sign.|date=March 8, 2020|website=indsecondsystem.weebly.com|access-date=March 13, 2020}}</ref> The final service plan, which took effect on December 11, 1988, had the extension served by E trains, with R trains extended to 179th Street.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Polsky|first=Carol|title=New Subway Line Finally Rolling Through Queens|date=December 11, 1988|work=Newsday}}</ref>

On May 24, 1987, the {{NYCS|N}} and {{NYCS|R}} services switched terminals in [[Queens]]. As part of the reroute plan, Queens Plaza became the northern terminal for the G train on evenings, weekends, and late nights.<ref>{{cite AV media|url=http://www.subwaynut.com/brochures/nrswitch/index.html |title=Announcing Service Changes on the N and R Routes |first=Jeremiah |last=Cox |website=The Subway Nut |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819105802/http://www.subwaynut.com/brochures/nrswitch/index.html |archive-date=August 19, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Three years later, on September 30, 1990, G service was extended to [[Jamaica–179th Street (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|179th Street]] during late nights to replace the {{NYCS|R}}, which terminated at [[36th Street (BMT Fourth Avenue Line)|36th Street and Fourth Avenue]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.subwaynut.com/brochures/1990servicechanges.pdf |title=Service Changes September 30, 1990 |date=September 30, 1990 |website=subwaynut.com |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |access-date=May 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026015324/http://www.subwaynut.com/brochures/1990servicechanges.pdf |archive-date=October 26, 2014 }}</ref> On April 14, 1991, weekend service was extended from Queens Plaza to 71st Avenue. Weekend G service was cut back to Queens Plaza on July 26, 1992.<ref name="Linder 2009" />

In January 1991, F express service was proposed to speed service during the height of rush hours which would have reduced travel time by up to five minutes. Alternate F trains would operate express in both directions between [[Jay Street–MetroTech (IND lines)|Jay Street]] and [[Church Avenue (IND Culver Line)|Church Avenue]], stopping at [[Seventh Avenue (IND Culver Line)|Seventh Avenue]]; as a result of this service change, G trains would be cut back from its southern terminal at [[Smith–Ninth Streets (IND Culver Line)|Smith–Ninth Streets]] and originate and terminate at Bergen Street to prevent delays in express service. This service change would have been implemented in October 1991, pending approval from the MTA board.<ref>{{cite web |title=1991 Service Capacity Plan |url=http://www.laguardiawagnerarchive.lagcc.cuny.edu/pages/FileBrowser.aspx?LinkToFile=FILES_DOC/QUEENS_FILES/03.012.0231.030147.2.PDF#undefined |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |access-date=September 18, 2024 |page=206 |date=January 4, 1991}}</ref> An alternate version was implemented in September 2019 when limited rush hour F trains (designated as a diamond <F>) began running express between Jay Street and Church Avenue, stopping at Seventh Avenue.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.amny.com/transit/f-express-train-1.33648949|title=Limited F Express Service Coming to Brooklyn for Rush Hour|last=Barone|first=Vincent|date=July 9, 2019|website=AMNY|access-date=July 9, 2019|language=en}}</ref>

=== Late 1990s to present ===

On March 23, 1997, <!-- due to construction on the connector between the [[IND 63rd Street Line]] and the IND Queens Boulevard Line,--> G trains started terminating at [[Court Square (IND Crosstown Line)|Court Square]] on weekends.<ref name="Linder 2009" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=March 1997 New York City Transit Subway Map|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/49916643022/in/dateposted/|date=March 23, 1997|website=Flickr.com|publisher=New York City Transit|access-date=May 20, 2020}}</ref> On August 30, overnight service was permanently cut back from 179th Street to Court Square, with F trains making all stops east of Queens Plaza to replace the G, meaning that the G only ran along the Queens Boulevard Line on weekdays. Evening service between 9&nbsp;p.m. and 11&nbsp;p.m. was cut back from Queens Plaza to Court Square.<ref name="Linder 2009" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24160214/august_30_queens_boulevard_changes/|title=Starting August 30, There Will Be Changes in Late-Night Service Along Queens Boulevard.|date=September 2, 1997|work=New York Daily News|access-date=September 30, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=September 1997 New York City Transit Subway Map|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/31216020212/in/album-72157652636594213/|date=September 1997|website=Flickr.com|publisher=New York City Transit|access-date=May 20, 2020}}</ref>

On December 16, 2001, the [[63rd Street Lines|63rd Street Connector]] opened and the G was removed from Queens Boulevard during weekday rush hours and middays; Court Square became the northern terminal for the G train during this time. Service was extended beyond Court Square to and from 71st Avenue at all other times, which represented the reverse of the previous pattern. Service along the IND Queens Boulevard Line was replaced by the new {{NYCS|V}} train on weekdays during the day.<ref name="MTA-FLineReview-2009" /><ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013">{{cite web|title=Review of the G Line|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_LineReview_7_10_13.pdf|date=July 10, 2013|website=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority|mta.info]]|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226002828/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_LineReview_7_10_13.pdf|archive-date=February 26, 2015|access-date=August 2, 2015}}</ref> This service change was supposed to go in effect on November 11, but was delayed due to the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref>{{cite journal| last=Chan | first=Joseph |title=On Queens Boulevard, V Is For Velocity: Planning & Rehearsing 63rd Street Connector Service -- Rehearsing the Service Plan|journal=The Bulletin |publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association, Incorporated |volume=44 |issue=12 |page=6, 19 |date=December 2001 |url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2000s/2001/2001-12-bulletin.pdf |access-date=March 12, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Donohue |first=Pete |date=June 1, 2001 |title=V Train Approved to Cut Crush on E, F & R |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24161318/daily_news/ |access-date=May 27, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kershaw |first=Sarah |date=December 17, 2001 |title=V Train Begins Service Today, Giving Queens Commuters Another Option |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/17/nyregion/v-train-begins-service-today-giving-queens-commuters-another-option.html |access-date=October 14, 2016 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The G was to be truncated to Court Square 24 hours to make room for the V, but due to rider opposition, it was cut back only on weekdays until 8:30&nbsp;pm.<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" /> To determine if existing G service along Queens Boulevard could be maintained along with V trains simultaneously, weekday rush hour service was simulated on Saturday, April 14, 2001 from 9:45 to 11:30 AM. G trains operated on a ten-minute frequency, terminated at 179th Street in the northbound direction and originated at 71st Avenue in the southbound direction. V trains operated on a six-minute frequency between 71st Avenue and [[57th Street–Seventh Avenue (BMT Broadway Line)|57th Street–Seventh Avenue]] via 63rd Street and made all stops.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Around New York's Transit System -- E/F/G/R/V Service Tested on Queens Boulevard|journal=The Bulletin |publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association, Incorporated |volume=44 |issue=5 |page=14 |date=May 2001 |url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2000s/2001/2001-05-bulletin.pdf |access-date=March 12, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Around New York's Transit System -- E/F/G/R/V Service Tested on Queens Queens Boulevard—Additional Information|journal=The Bulletin |publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association, Incorporated |volume=44 |issue=6 |page=18 |date=June 2001 |url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2000s/2001/2001-06-bulletin.pdf |access-date=March 12, 2025}}</ref> Another weekday simulation took place during the daytime hours on Saturday, September 8, adapting the service pattern that would be implemented when the V would debut, but without the G operating along Queens Boulevard during weekday rush hours and middays.<ref>{{cite journal| last=Chan | first=Joseph |title=On Queens Boulevard, V Is For Velocity: Planning & Rehearsing 63rd Street Connector Service -- Rehearsing the Service Plan|journal=The Bulletin |publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association, Incorporated |volume=44 |issue=12 |page=6, 19 |date=December 2001 |url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2000s/2001/2001-12-bulletin.pdf |access-date=March 12, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Donohue |first=Pete |date=June 1, 2001 |title=V Train Approved to Cut Crush on E, F & R |work=New York Daily News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24161318/daily_news/ |access-date=May 27, 2019}}</ref> Some trips were extended beyond Smith–Ninth Streets and originated and terminated at Church Avenue.<ref name="Linder 2009" /> Frequencies for weekday evening service decreased from every 12 minutes to every 15 minutes, while frequencies for weekday rush hour and Saturday morning and afternoon service increased from every 10 minutes to every 8 minutes.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=January 2002 |title=63rd Street Connector In Service – New Schedules in Effect |url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2000s/2002/2002-01-bulletin.pdf |journal=New York Division Bulletin |publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association |volume=45 |issue=1 |pages=13}}</ref>

On April 27, 2003, Saturday morning and afternoon G service was decreased, with service running every 12 minutes instead of every 8 minutes, and Sunday afternoon service was decreased to run every 12 minutes instead of every 10 minutes. In addition, Saturday morning and afternoon G trains turned out of service at Fourth Avenue instead of Church Avenue.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=July 2003 |title=New BMT-IND Schedules |url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2000s/2003/2003-07-bulletin.pdf |journal=The New York Division Bulletin |publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association |volume=46 |issue=7 |pages=20}}</ref>

On July 5, 2009, the G was once again extended south at all times to Church Avenue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/GserviceChanges.htm |title=MTA NYC Transit – Service Advisory |date=July 2009 |website=mta.info |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |access-date=October 30, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709084851/http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/GserviceChanges.htm |archive-date=July 9, 2009  }}</ref> This was required for overhaul of the Culver Viaduct, which caused the express tracks at Smith–Ninth Streets and [[Fourth Avenue/Ninth Street (New York City Subway)|Fourth Avenue/Ninth Street]]—used to switch G trains between tracks after they terminated at Smith–Ninth Streets—to be temporarily taken out of service.<ref name=BklynPaper-GExt-July2012/><ref name=MTA-FLineReview-2009 /><ref name=MTA-GLineReview-2013 /> This had several benefits. First, five stations previously served by only the F train had more frequent service. Additionally, riders from northern Brooklyn and Long Island City had a direct route to Kensington. Finally, since the Church Avenue terminal had four tracks to store terminating G trains, as opposed to only one storage track at Smith–9th Streets, this reduced delays on both services because terminating G trains could switch to the storage tracks without having to wait in the station for another train to leave, as had occurred at Smith–Ninth Street.<ref name=MTA-FLineReview-2009 /> On July 19, 2012, MTA officials made this extension permanent.<ref name="BklynPaper-GExt-July2012">{{Cite news|first=Natalie |last=O'Neill |url=http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/35/29/dtg_gtrainsaved_2012_07_27_bk.html |title=G Wiz! MTA Plans to Save the G Train Extension! |newspaper=[[The Brooklyn Paper]] |date=July 19, 2012 |access-date=July 21, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917053417/http://brooklynpaper.com/stories/35/29/dtg_gtrainsaved_2012_07_27_bk.html |archive-date=September 17, 2012 }}</ref><ref name=MTA-GLineReview-2013 /> This reduced the need for riders from [[Park Slope]] and [[Kensington, Brooklyn|Kensington]] to make multiple train transfers to get to northern Brooklyn and Long Island City.<ref name="BklynPaper-GExt-July2012" /><ref name="MTA-FLineReview-2009" /><ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" />

Due to the MTA's financial crisis in the late 2000s, as well as continued capacity issues on the IND Queens Boulevard Line, the G was to be cut back from Forest Hills–71st Avenue to Court Square permanently beginning June 27, 2010.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Service Change Details |url=http://www.mta.info/news/2010/06/24/service-change-details |work=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |date=March 18, 2008 |access-date=July 10, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714145439/http://www.mta.info/news/2010/06/24/service-change-details |archive-date=July 14, 2014 }}</ref> However, due to planned track repairs during the times the G normally ran on the Queens Boulevard Line, service along the line last ran on April 19.<ref name=MTA-GLineReview-2013 /> In addition, train frequencies were decreased, which inconvenienced about 201,000 weekly commuters since they had to wait longer for G trains.<ref name="MTA-2010ServiceCuts">{{cite web|title=2010 NYC Transit Service Reductions|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/ServiceReduction/part1.htm|website=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority|mta.info]]|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-date=April 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406185727/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/ServiceReduction/part1.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/g-train-taking-a-hit-before-service-cuts-roll-out-1.18608855 |title=G Train Taking a Hit Before Service Cuts Roll Out |newspaper=[[Newsday]] |date=April 13, 2010 |access-date=April 16, 2010 }}</ref>

Flood waters from [[Hurricane Sandy]] caused significant damage to the Greenpoint Tubes under the [[Newtown Creek]]. Although the G was back in service days after the hurricane, the tube needed permanent repairs. To allow for these repairs, G service ran only between [[Nassau Avenue (IND Crosstown Line)|Nassau Avenue]] and Church Avenue for twelve weekends between July and December 2013. This schedule was also in effect daily between July 25 and September 2, 2014.<ref name="mta.info">{{cite web|title=G Line Review |website=mta.info |url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_LineReview.htm |access-date=October 29, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107094934/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_LineReview.htm |archive-date=November 7, 2015 }}</ref> Service was also suspended on parts of the G route from June 28 to September 3, 2024, as part of a [[G (New York City Subway service)#CBTC signaling|project to automate the Crosstown and Culver lines]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

{{Clear}}

==Issues==
[[File:MTA Announces Open-Gangway Trains Now Operating on the G Line.jpg|thumb|Inaugural run of [[R211 (New York City Subway car)|R211T]] open gangway cars on the G line at [[Church Avenue station (IND Culver Line)|Church Avenue]] on March 4, 2025.]]
In the 21st century, the G suffered from a wide range of issues that has resulted in complaints by people living along the route.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/01/27/lawmakers-g-train-riders-deserve-better-service/ |title=Lawmakers: G Train Riders Deserve Better Service « CBS New York |publisher=Newyork.cbslocal.com |date=January 27, 2013 |access-date=June 9, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013043556/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/01/27/lawmakers-g-train-riders-deserve-better-service/ |archive-date=October 13, 2013 }}</ref> Historically, it has connected only Brooklyn and Queens,<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" /> resulting in many people thinking of the G as the subway system's "outcast"<ref name="Fitzsimmons 2016">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/02/nyregion/short-trains-frequent-disruptions-once-mocked-the-g-train-is-now-cool.html |title=Once Mocked, The G Train Is Now Cool. Kind Of. |last=Fitzsimmons |first=Emma G. |date=August 1, 2016 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=October 14, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015110844/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/02/nyregion/short-trains-frequent-disruptions-once-mocked-the-g-train-is-now-cool.html |archive-date=October 15, 2016 }}</ref> and the "unwanted drunk uncle everyone has."<ref name="nyt20080110">{{cite news|last1=Cohen |first1=Billie |title=The G Train From Smith-9th Streets to Long Island City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/10/realestate/10comm.html |access-date=December 3, 2016 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=January 10, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003025934/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/10/realestate/10comm.html |archive-date=October 3, 2015 }}</ref> One reporter wrote of the G, "[Riders] need it because it goes where no other train does, but they hate that they need it." Compounding to the G{{'s}} "outcast" reputation, some of the G{{'s}} stations along the Crosstown Line are in bad shape.<ref name=nyt20080110/> Since 2001, a series of service cuts and missing connections to other lines has worsened public opinion of the G.<ref name=nyt20080110/>

On December 16, 2001, the G{{'s}} northern terminus was cut back from Forest Hills to Court Square during weekdays,<ref name="Kershaw 2001">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/17/nyregion/v-train-begins-service-today-giving-queens-commuters-another-option.html |title=V Train Begins Service Today, Giving Queens Commuters Another Option |last=Kershaw |first=Sarah |date=December 17, 2001 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=October 14, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107032009/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/17/nyregion/v-train-begins-service-today-giving-queens-commuters-another-option.html |archive-date=January 7, 2017 }}</ref> and since April 2010, this service pattern has applied [[24/7 service|at all times]].<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" /><ref name="Kadushin 2008" /> This service pattern not only puts more ridership pressure on the [[E (New York City Subway service)|E]] route—already one of the system's busiest before 2001<ref name="nyt 200105" />—but also resulted in G trains' lengths being shortened by one third, from {{Convert|450|ft|m}} or 6 cars to {{Convert|300|ft|m}} or 4.<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" /> In addition, between 2001 and 2010, weekend service along the G to Forest Hills had been intermittent, with frequent service changes due to "track work".<ref name="Ilel 2005" /><ref name=nyt20080110/> The 2010 route reduction did increase service frequency on the remainder of the route.<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" /> Finally, the G has few transfers to other services, with missing transfer points to the {{NYCS trains|Jamaica west local}} at [[Broadway (IND Crosstown Line)|Broadway]] and the {{NYCS trains|Atlantic-Barclays}} at [[Fulton Street (IND Crosstown Line)|Fulton Street]].<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" /><ref name="DNA-GTrainPush-Dec2012">{{cite web|url=http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20121231/williamsburg/g-train-riders-renew-push-for-improved-service-with-new-year|title=G Train Riders to Renew Push for Improved Service With New Year|last1=Hoffman|first1=Meredith|date=December 31, 2012|publisher=[[DNAinfo.com]]|location=[[Williamsburg, Brooklyn]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829062726/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20121231/williamsburg/g-train-riders-renew-push-for-improved-service-with-new-year|archive-date=August 29, 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=August 24, 2015}}</ref>

===63rd Street Connector service reductions===
When the connector to the [[IND 63rd Street Line]] from the [[IND Queens Boulevard Line]] was put into regular passenger service in December 2001, it not only introduced the new [[V (New York City Subway service)|V]] service, but also allowed up to nine additional trains to and from Manhattan on the Queens Boulevard Line during peak hours.<ref name="Kershaw 2001" /> However, to make room for the V train on Queens Boulevard, the G had to terminate at Court Square on weekdays.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Sarah |last=Kershaw |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/02/nyregion/proposed-line-would-lighten-subway-crush.html |title=Proposed Line Would Lighten Subway Crush |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=December 2, 2000 |access-date=March 20, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403144155/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/02/nyregion/proposed-line-would-lighten-subway-crush.html |archive-date=April 3, 2015 }}</ref> The reroute of the G was part of the original plans of the 63rd Street tunnel and connector, going back to the late 1960s.<ref name="MTA-ProgramforAction2-Aug1969">{{cite book|title=Regional Transportation Program|url=https://archive.org/details/regionaltranspor00newy|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|access-date=July 26, 2016|year=1969}}</ref><ref name="QueensSubwayEIS-1984">{{cite book|title=Queens Subway Options Study, New York: Environmental Impact Statement|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NaI4AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA83|access-date=July 10, 2016|date=May 1984|publisher=[[United States Department of Transportation]], [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]], [[Urban Mass Transit Administration]]|pages=83–}}</ref><ref name="QBL63rdLineConnector-1992">{{cite book|title=Final Environmental Impact Statement for the 63rd Street Line Connection to the Queens Boulevard Line|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n943AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA3-PT95|access-date=July 23, 2016|date=June 1992|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]], [[United States Department of Transportation]], [[Federal Transit Administration]]|location=[[Queens]], [[New York City|New York]], [[New York (state)|New York]]}}</ref> The service plan was designed to redistribute Queens-bound passenger loads on the crowded IND Queens Boulevard Line, which ran under 53rd Street while in Manhattan. In turn, this plan was intended to bring better service and transfer opportunities, as the V train allowed direct access to 53rd Street and the [[IND Sixth Avenue Line]] for Queens Boulevard Local passengers who previously had to transfer to an express train at [[Queens Plaza station|Queens Plaza]]. ''[[The New York Times]]'' prematurely described the service plan as "complex and heavily criticized" because it put more crowding on the E train.<ref name="nyt 200105"/>

In response to complaints from G riders at public hearings about losing a major transfer point to Manhattan-bound trains at [[Queens Plaza (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|Queens Plaza]], the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority|MTA]] agreed to a number of compromises, including installing a moving sidewalk in the passageway between Court Square and [[Court Square (New York City Subway)#IND Queens Boulevard Line platforms|23rd Street–Ely Avenue]] (now served by the {{NYCS trains|Queens 53rd}}) on the Queens Boulevard Line.<ref name=MTA-GLineReview-2013 /> In addition, a free out-of-system [[MetroCard (New York City)|MetroCard]] transfer to [[Court Square (New York City Subway)#IRT Flushing Line platforms|45th Road–Court House Square]] on the [[IRT Flushing Line]] was created at those two stations.<ref name=MTA-GLineReview-2013 /> This special transfer was discontinued on June 3, 2011, when an in-system transfer opened at the corner of 23rd Street and 45th Road, which made only the Flushing Line station ADA-accessible.<ref name=MTA-GLineReview-2013 /> The MTA provided $17&nbsp;million in funding for making the Crosstown Line accessible as part of the 2015–2019 Capital Program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/capitaldashboard/allframenew_head.html?PROJNUM=t7041314&PLTYPE=1 |title=ADA Accessibility at Court Square Station on the Crosstown Line |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |access-date=June 30, 2017 |date=March 31, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=MTA Capital Program 2015–2019: Renew. Enhance. Expand. |url=http://web.mta.info/capital/pdf/CapitalProgram2015-19_WEB%20v4%20FINAL_small.pdf |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |access-date=October 28, 2015 |date=October 28, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106022734/http://web.mta.info/capital/pdf/CapitalProgram2015-19_WEB%20v4%20FINAL_small.pdf |archive-date=November 6, 2015 }}</ref>

The MTA also agreed to extend the G to Forest Hills–71st Avenue during evenings and weekends (when the V was not running), and run more trains on that route. There was a four-hour period where the G, {{NYCS|R}}, and V, as well as the Queens Boulevard line's express services, the E and the F, were all running at once since the V stopped running at midnight and the G was extended to 71st Avenue at 8:00&nbsp;pm. The authority "had spent several hundred thousand dollars on tests, trying to figure out a way to keep the G train running past Court Square and farther into Queens on weekdays, but because of the addition of the V train, which shared space along the Queens Boulevard Line with the trains already there (the E, F and R trains), G trains could not fit during the daytime, when service is heaviest."<ref name="nyt 200105">{{Cite news|first=Randy |last=Kennedy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/25/nyregion/panel-approves-new-v-train-but-shortens-g-line-to-make-room.html |title=Panel Approves New V Train but Shortens G Line to Make Room |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=May 25, 2001 |access-date=March 20, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126012438/http://nytimes.com/2001/05/25/nyregion/panel-approves-new-v-train-but-shortens-g-line-to-make-room.html |archive-date=November 26, 2010 }}</ref>

However, due to construction on the Queens Boulevard Line, the G train frequently terminated at Court Square even when the published timetable said it ran to 71st Avenue.<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" /> Some riders were suspicious that the service disruptions were "simply a de facto way to implement the original plan of halving G train service." The original plans called for the G terminate at Court Square at all times; that plan was shelved in 2001 in the face of community opposition, but due to budget cuts, the MTA decided to implement it in 2010.<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" /><ref name="Kadushin 2008">{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2008/01/16/2008-01-16_g_train_may_give_brooklyn_riders_faster_.html |title=G Train May Give Brooklyn Riders Faster Service, Queens Riders More Legwork |last=Kadushin |first=Peter |date=January 15, 2008 |newspaper=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]] |location=New York |access-date=March 20, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629071701/http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2008/01/16/2008-01-16_g_train_may_give_brooklyn_riders_faster_.html |archive-date=June 29, 2011 }}</ref> An MTA spokesman said, "It's not personal.... If you want to keep the system up to date, you need to make sure the track and switching are all in good repair."<ref name="Ilel 2005">{{cite web | last=Ilel | first=Neille | title=‘G’ Is For Gone—G Train Loses Nearly Half Its Weekend Stops | website=Queens Chronicle | date=2005-07-21 | url=https://www.qchron.com/editions/western/g-is-for-gone-g-train-loses-nearly-half-its-weekend-stops/article_c3d69f61-06de-5690-9052-505b232a1307.html | access-date=2025-11-21}}</ref>

Community groups such as Save the G! and the Riders Alliance have been frequent activists for improvements of G service. Save the G! regularly lobbied the MTA for more G train service since the original cutbacks when the V was introduced in 2001. They made the restoration of service to the Queens Boulevard Line at all times an issue in the 2002 New York gubernatorial race, but the transit authority said, "Unfortunately, putting the G back to full service is just not an option, given our track capacity—and that's not likely to change."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2002/10/24/riders-rail-at-g-switch-court-sq-rally-to-protest-shorter-subway-route |title=Riders Rail at G Switch |last=Hays |first=Elizabeth |date=October 24, 2002 |work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]] |location=New York |access-date=January 17, 2007 }}</ref>

=== Changes to train length ===
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| image1 = Bergen St G stops at center of platform vc.jpg
| alt1 = An overhead sign at an underground "G" train station. The sign's text says, "'G' stops at center of platform". There is a U-turn arrow icon on the left side of the sign, next to the text.
| image2 = Nassau Avenue G Train stops here vc.jpg
| alt2 = An overhead sign at an underground "G" train station. The sign's text says, "'G' train stops here. Wait here to board". There is an icon of a train on the left side of the sign, next to the text.
| width = 250
| footer = Signs at [[Bergen Street (IND Culver Line)|Bergen Street]] (top) and [[Nassau Avenue (IND Crosstown Line)|Nassau Avenue]] (bottom) directing passengers to the correct boarding areas, due to the short {{convert|300|ft|adj=on}} length of the trains
| footer_align = left
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}}

To increase service and reduce waiting time due to the 63rd Street Connector cutbacks, the G would need more trains, but there were not enough [[New York City Subway rolling stock|cars]] available in the system. The solution was to reduce the length of trains to increase service frequency.<ref name=MTA-GLineReview-2013 /> Previously, the G service had run 8 {{convert|60|ft|adj=on}} car trains or 6 {{convert|75|ft|adj=on}} car trains; both were shorter than the typical {{convert|600|ft|adj=on}} length of B Division trains because ridership was deemed too low to justify running full-length G trains in frequent intervals.<ref name=MTA-GLineReview-2013 /> Under the 2001 plan, trains were shortened from six to four {{convert|75|ft|adj=on}} cars, sticking all the leftover cars together to make the extra trains for the G, and the additional trains needed for V service.<ref name=MTA-GLineReview-2013 /><ref name="NYCDCP-BklyCd-2010">{{cite web|title=Community District Needs for the Borough of Brooklyn; Fiscal Year 2010 |url=http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/planning/download/pdf/about/publications/bkneeds_2010.pdf#page=51 |website=[[Government of New York City|nyc.gov]] |publisher=[[New York City Department of City Planning]] |access-date=October 12, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012231244/http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/planning/download/pdf/about/publications/bkneeds_2010.pdf |archive-date=October 12, 2016 }}</ref>

This meant that riders would be packed into smaller trains, and led some passengers to miss trains because they were standing at the wrong part of the platform.<ref name="Flegenheimer 2013">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/16/nyregion/mta-will-end-mystery-of-where-the-g-train-stops.html |title=M.T.A. Will End Mystery of Where on the Platform the G Train Stops |last=Flegenheimer |first=Matt |date=July 15, 2013 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=October 14, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207185843/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/16/nyregion/mta-will-end-mystery-of-where-the-g-train-stops.html |archive-date=February 7, 2017 }}</ref> In the past, there have been signs indicating where the train stops at some stations, in addition to the "4" and "6" markers next to the tracks used by train operators as stop points. Still, the overall lack of visual identifiers of train stop points on the platforms, the differing stop points during different times of day, and the location of staircases, transfer passageways and platform benches have been cited as a cause of passengers missing trains or being bunched into single cars.<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" /><ref name="MTA-GLineReview-Append-2013">{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_Appendices_7_10_13.pdf |title=Review of the G Line: Appendices |date=July 10, 2013 |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |access-date=October 28, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127233038/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_Appendices_7_10_13.pdf |archive-date=January 27, 2016 }}</ref> Beginning in 2013, additional signs were installed along G train platforms.<ref name="DNA-GLineSigns-2014">{{cite web |last1=Upadhye |first1=Janet |title=MTA's New Signs Do Little to Curb the 'G Train Sprint,' Locals Say |url=http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140113/fort-greene/mtas-new-signs-do-little-curb-g-train-sprint-locals-say |publisher=[[DNAinfo.com]] |location=[[Fort Greene, Brooklyn]] |access-date=August 24, 2015 |date=January 13, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125015252/http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140113/fort-greene/mtas-new-signs-do-little-curb-g-train-sprint-locals-say |archive-date=November 25, 2015 }}</ref> In 2014, several improvements were implemented due to an infusion of extra funding, with G trains to be lengthened in 2019 ([[#Improvements|see below]]).<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-Append-2013" /><ref name="amny">{{cite web|url=http://www.amny.com/transit/g-train-service-to-become-more-frequent-1.8376529 |title=G Train Service to Become More Frequent |date=June 8, 2014 |publisher=AM NY |author=Rivoli, Dan |access-date=June 9, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724165712/http://www.amny.com/transit/g-train-service-to-become-more-frequent-1.8376529 |archive-date=July 24, 2014 }}</ref><ref name="dnainfo">{{cite web |url=http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140609/greenpoint/mta-increase-g-train-service |title=MTA to Increase G Train Service – Greenpoint – DNAinfo.com New York |date=August 1, 2013 |publisher=DNA Info |access-date=June 9, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140613034918/http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140609/greenpoint/mta-increase-g-train-service |archive-date=June 13, 2014 }}</ref><ref name="Hogan 2016">{{cite news |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160506/williamsburg/g-train-get-full-length-train-cars-during-l-shutdown-mta-says |title=G Train To Get Full-Length Train Cars During L Shutdown, MTA Says |date=May 6, 2016 |work=DNAinfo New York |publisher=DNAinfo New York |issue=Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Bushwick |last1=Hogan |first1=Gwynne |access-date=August 12, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827053011/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160506/williamsburg/g-train-get-full-length-train-cars-during-l-shutdown-mta-says |archive-date=August 27, 2016 }}</ref>

===Non-free transfers===
Save the G!, the Riders Alliance, and other organizations have also lobbied for the creation of new free out-of-system transfers to nearby stations. The most prominent is between Broadway on the Crosstown Line and either [[Hewes Street (BMT Jamaica Line)|Hewes Street]] or [[Lorimer Street (BMT Jamaica Line)|Lorimer Street]] on the [[BMT Jamaica Line]], which are both about three blocks away; this transfer has been previously proposed.<ref name=MTA-GLineReview-2013 /><ref name=DNA-GTrainPush-Dec2012/> In 2005, an MTA spokesperson stated, "We have no intention of making that a permanent free transfer."<ref>{{Cite news|first=Shane |last=Miller |title=Let Us Take a Free Swipe |work=Greenpoint Star |date=July 1, 2004 }}</ref> This sentiment was repeated in 2013, with the MTA citing the loss of around $770,000 in revenue if the transfer were to become free.<ref name=MTA-GLineReview-2013 /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Dai |first1=Serena |title=Transfer for G, J and M Train Riders Should Be Free, Advocates Say |url=http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140827/williamsburg/transfer-for-g-j-m-train-riders-should-be-free-advocates-say |publisher=[[DNAinfo.com]] |access-date=October 29, 2015 |location=[[Williamsburg, Brooklyn]] |date=August 27, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629164559/http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140827/williamsburg/transfer-for-g-j-m-train-riders-should-be-free-advocates-say |archive-date=June 29, 2015 }}</ref>

Temporary free transfers have been provided in the past, including one to Lorimer Street in 1999 due to suspended service over the [[Williamsburg Bridge]] on the {{NYCS trains|Williamsburg}}, and again during the Summer 2014 G service suspension north of Nassau Avenue.<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pix11.com/2014/08/28/free-transfer-set-to-expire-between-g-train-and-jm-lines-in-brooklyn/ |title=Free Transfer Set to Expire Between G Train and J/M Lines in Brooklyn |work=New York's PIX11 / WPIX-TV |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901140318/http://pix11.com/2014/08/28/free-transfer-set-to-expire-between-g-train-and-jm-lines-in-brooklyn/ |archive-date=September 1, 2014 |date=August 28, 2014 }}</ref> A second transfer, from Fulton Street to the busy [[Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center (New York City Subway)|Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center]] complex in [[Downtown Brooklyn]], was rejected by the MTA due to the long walking distance between the two stations, as well as the fact that there is a transfer to Manhattan-bound {{NYCS Fulton}} trains<!--physical trains, not services--> at [[Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets (New York City Subway)|Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets]].<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" /><ref name="DNA-GTrainPush-Dec2012" />

A temporary transfer between Broadway and Hewes Street or Lorimer Street (along the [[BMT Jamaica Line]]) was reinstated in April 2019 due to [[L (New York City Subway service)|L]] train service changes associated with the [[14th Street Tunnel shutdown]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://new.mta.info/l-project/service-alternatives|title=Service During the L Project|website=MTA.info|language=en|access-date=May 19, 2019}}</ref> The transfer was in effect until May 31, 2020.<ref>{{cite web | last=Guse | first=Clayton | title=MTA ends free transfer between overlapping Brooklyn subway stations | website=New York Daily News | date=June 1, 2020 | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-mta-subway-broadway-lorimer-transfer-l-train-20200601-7ggeh66h7ffl5idm77obukfmfu-story.html | access-date=June 2, 2020}}</ref> A temporary, MetroCard-only transfer between 21st Street and [[Hunters Point Avenue (IRT Flushing Line)|Hunters Point Avenue]] (along the [[IRT Flushing Line]]) was proposed, but not implemented.<ref name="MTA-CanarsieSEA-Jul2018">{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/news/notices/pdf/Canarsie_Env_Assessment_%20FINAL.pdf|title=MTA New York City Transit Canarsie Tunnel Project Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) Review: Final Report|last=[[New York City Transit Authority]]|date=July 2018|website=mta.info|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|access-date=July 27, 2018}}</ref>{{rp|13}}

{{Clear}}

== 21st-century upgrades ==
[[File:Fulton St G sta Moes jeh.jpg|thumb|250px|alt=A reopened subway station entrance on South Portland Avenue, at the "G" train's Fulton Street station. This entrance consists of a staircase that descends underground; it is surrounded by a forest-green banister.|A reopened entrance to the [[Fulton Street (IND Crosstown Line)|Fulton Street]] station along South Portland Avenue, 2010]]

===Station entrance reopenings===
Most stations along the IND Crosstown Line were built with multiple exits to the street. Over the years, many lower-use exits were closed (as they were in other parts of the subway), as the city was concerned that they were a magnet for criminals;<ref name="Mooney 2005">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/03/nyregion/thecity/for-a-maligned-line-a-minor-victory.html|title=For a Maligned Line, A Minor Victory|last=Mooney|first=Jake|date=July 3, 2005|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=September 20, 2017}}</ref> this resulted in G trains along the Crosstown Line needing to stop at the locations closest to the exits.<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" /> However, in July 2005, in response to community pressure, the MTA agreed to re-open an exit to the southwestern corner of South Portland Avenue to the southbound platform of the [[Fulton Street (IND Crosstown Line)|Fulton Street]] station. ''[[The New York Times]]'' described it as a "minor victory" for "a maligned line."<ref name="Mooney 2005" /> Additionally, exits to the intersection of Powers Street, Hope Street, and Union Avenue at [[Metropolitan Avenue/Lorimer Street (New York City Subway)#IND Crosstown Line platforms|Metropolitan Avenue]] were reopened on February 28, 2019, to address possible capacity constraints due to the [[L train shutdown]].<ref name=":0a">{{Cite news|url=http://secondavenuesagas.com/2017/12/13/first-look-dot-mta-ready-plans-l-train-shutdown/|title=First Look: DOT, MTA Present Initial Plans for L Train Shutdown|last=Kabak|first=Benjamin|date=December 13, 2017|work=Second Ave. Sagas|access-date=December 16, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2019, the Court Square station received several new stairways to accommodate increased ridership from L train riders during the [[14th Street Tunnel shutdown|reconstruction of the BMT Canarsie Line tunnels]] under the [[East River]], which started in late April 2019.<ref name=":0a" />

===Review of the G route===
In 2013, at the request of State Senators [[Daniel Squadron]] and [[Martin Malave Dilan]], the MTA conducted a review of the entire G route.<ref name="Flegenheimer 2013" /> The route had been maligned by riders because of its unreliability, and the review recommended a few service changes for the G.<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" /><ref name="MTA-GLineReview-Append-2013" /><ref name="Flegenheimer 2013" /> On June 9, 2014, a budget surplus in the MTA allowed these improvements to be implemented. These improvements included an increase in the number of trains per hour, from six to {{frac|7|1|2}} trains per hour during evening rush hour; uniform stopping locations for trains, whereas previously, trains stopped at different places along the platform at different times of the day; [[public service announcement]] systems on platforms along the IND Crosstown Line; relocated benches; and new [[Closed-circuit television|CCTV]] systems installed for OPTO.<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-Append-2013" /><ref name="amny" /><ref name="NYTimes-GTrainMysteryDarwin-2013">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/16/nyregion/mta-will-end-mystery-of-where-the-g-train-stops.html?_r=0 |title=M.T.A. Will End Mystery of Where on the Platform the G Train Stops |date=July 15, 2013 |work=The New York Times |last1=Flegenheimer |first1=Matt |access-date=August 24, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731115509/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/16/nyregion/mta-will-end-mystery-of-where-the-g-train-stops.html?_r=0 |archive-date=July 31, 2013 }}</ref> Such improvements eliminated the infamous "G train sprint,"<ref name="Flegenheimer 2013" /> wherein riders ran for G trains that stopped at the other end of the platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130529/greenpoint/g-train-workout-shows-hike-sprint-required-of-riders |title='G Train Workout' Shows the 'Hike' and 'Sprint' Required of Riders |website=DNAinfo New York |access-date=October 14, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207165800/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130529/greenpoint/g-train-workout-shows-hike-sprint-required-of-riders |archive-date=February 7, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20130512/TRANSPORTATION/305129990/trendy-greenpoint-has-grown-but-g-train-service-hasnt |title=Trendy Greenpoint Has Grown, But G Train Service Hasn't |last=Pasquarelli |first=Adrianne |date=May 12, 2013 |newspaper=Crain's New York Business |access-date=October 14, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403010236/http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20130512/TRANSPORTATION/305129990/trendy-greenpoint-has-grown-but-g-train-service-hasnt |archive-date=April 3, 2017 }}</ref>

From 2010 to 2015, ridership on the G rose 17%, with approximately 150,000 riders per weekday in 2015.<ref name="Fitzsimmons 2016" /> At the time, it was the route with the fastest growing ridership base in the entire system.<ref name="Flegenheimer 2013" /> These improvements also had the additional benefit of being able to accommodate the growing ridership base in gentrified neighborhoods along the line, like Park Slope, [[Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn|Carroll Gardens]], [[Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn|Bedford–Stuyvesant]], [[Williamsburg, Brooklyn|Williamsburg]], [[Greenpoint, Brooklyn|Greenpoint]], and [[Long Island City]]. This was due in part to the G{{'s}} weekday frequencies having become more dependable as a result of the 2013 review.<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" /><ref name="Fitzsimmons 2016" /> Even so, the G continued to have long headways during weekends<ref name="Fitzsimmons 2016" /> until July 2023.<ref name="Izzo 2023 n387" /><ref name="Simko-Bednarski 2023 e304" />

===L train shutdown===
Despite the influx of ridership, train lengths did not change. In 2016, it was announced that the G was expected to receive longer trains to accommodate displaced L train riders in 2019, when the [[14th Street Tunnel shutdown]] was supposed to limit direct L train access to Manhattan. As a result, riders in Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Bushwick would need to use the G to transfer to other subway routes that travel to Manhattan. The delivery of new [[R179 (New York City Subway car)|R179]] subway cars to other routes would make it possible for older fleets from these other routes to be passed onto the G.<ref name="Hogan 2016" /> In addition, three extra G trains per hour would run during peak periods, for a total of 11 trains per hour during the shutdown. A full-length G train would run every five to six minutes, more than doubling the route's total capacity.{{efn|Each consist of trains is {{convert|300|ft|m}} long, the length of a standard G train {{as of|2018|lc=y}}. A full-length train on most [[B Division (New York City Subway)|B Division]] routes is {{convert|600|ft|m}} long, and assuming that the G would use 600-foot-long trains, this will nearly triple the G train's capacity from 8 to 22 consists of 300-foot trains every hour. However, full-length trains on some routes, namely the [[BMT Eastern Division]] (J, L, M, and Z trains), are {{convert|480|ft|m}} long. If the G uses 480-foot-long trains, its capacity will only be slightly more than doubled from 8 to 17.6 consists of 300-foot-long trains.}} Since the G train's schedule is designed around that of the F train, train frequencies on both routes would have to be modified.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2018/05/10/how-screwed-will-your-subway-line-be-by-the-l-train-shutdown-f-g-edition/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510152821/https://www.villagevoice.com/2018/05/10/how-screwed-will-your-subway-line-be-by-the-l-train-shutdown-f-g-edition/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 10, 2018|title=How Screwed Will Your Subway Line Be by the L Train Shutdown? F/G Edition|last=Lavin|first=Talia|date=May 10, 2018|website=Village Voice|access-date=May 10, 2018}}</ref>

In July 2018, the MTA published a report stating that the G route would have 15 full-length trains per hour between Court Square and Bedford–Nostrand Avenues, or a rate of one train every four minutes. South of Bedford–Nostrand Avenues, the G would have a headway of 12 trains per hour.<ref name=MTA-CanarsieSEA-Jul2018/>{{rp|13}} The terminus for most of the remaining G trips would be Church Avenue, but some trains would continue two additional stops to [[18th Avenue (IND Culver Line)|18th Avenue]], because only a limited number of trains can terminate at Church Avenue without causing disruptions to F service.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/181022_1000_Transit.pdf|title=Transit & Bus Committee Meeting October 2018|date=October 22, 2018|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=October 22, 2018|page=195|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181020140605/http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/181022_1000_Transit.pdf|archive-date=October 20, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Other temporary improvements during the L train shutdown would include free-out-of-system transfers between the G at [[Broadway (IND Crosstown Line)|Broadway]] and the {{NYCS trains|Jamaica west|time=nolink}} at [[Lorimer Street (BMT Jamaica Line)|Lorimer Street]] and [[Hewes Street (BMT Jamaica Line)|Hewes Street]], as well as between the G at [[21st Street (IND Crosstown Line)|21st Street]] and the {{NYCS trains|Flushing}} at [[Hunters Point Avenue (IRT Flushing Line)|Hunters Point Avenue]].<ref name=MTA-CanarsieSEA-Jul2018/>{{rp|13}} In addition, closed entrances would be reopened at Metropolitan Avenue, and the Nassau Avenue and Metropolitan Avenue stations' fare control areas would be reconfigured to accommodate increased ridership.<ref name=MTA-CanarsieSEA-Jul2018/>{{rp|16}}

The L train shutdown was curtailed in January 2019. Instead of being a full-time closure, it would only be a partial closure on nights and weekends. However, the station enhancements along the route were still implemented.<ref>{{cite web | title=Forget everything you knew about the L train shutdown | website=am New York | date=January 15, 2019 | url=https://www.amny.com/transit/l-train-shutdown-explained-1.25469189 | access-date=January 19, 2019}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes-TransportationPurgatory-2019">{{cite web | title=For 250,000 Daily Riders on the L Train, Transportation Purgatory | website=The New York Times | date=January 18, 2019 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/18/nyregion/l-train-subway-riders.html | access-date=January 19, 2019}}</ref> The following month, the MTA decided that the G would not receive full-length trains, though it would still see an increase in train frequencies during nights and weekends.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/transit/2019/02/14/l-train-riders-may-see-less-service-on-nights-and-weekends-for-repairs-partial-shutdown|title='L' Train Service May Still Be Reduced on Nights and Weekends for Repairs|date=February 14, 2019|website=Spectrum News NY1 &#124; New York City|access-date=February 14, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/MTA-Unveils-Alternative-Service-Plan-for-L-Train-505775611.html|title=MTA Unveils Proposed Alternative Service Plan for L Train|last=Siff|first=Andrew|date=February 13, 2019|website=NBC New York|access-date=February 14, 2019}}</ref> A spokesperson for the MTA said in 2023 that there was not enough rolling stock available to allow G trains to be lengthened without decreasing frequencies.<ref name="Metro 2023 y421">{{cite web |last=Metro |first=amNewYork |date=May 28, 2023 |title=Ask the MTA |url=https://www.amny.com/columnists/ask-the-mta-g-train-brooklyn-may-28-2023/ |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=amNewYork}}</ref> Weekend frequencies on the G route were increased in July 2023.<ref name="Izzo 2023 n387">{{cite web | last=Izzo | first=Christina | title=Changes are coming to the G, J and M trains this summer | website=Time Out New York | date=May 8, 2023 | url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/changes-are-coming-to-the-g-j-and-m-trains-this-summer-050823 | access-date=August 27, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Simko-Bednarski 2023 e304">{{cite web | last=Simko-Bednarski | first=Evan | title=NYC Transit boosting subway service on a dozen lines this summer | website=New York Daily News | date=May 2, 2023 | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-more-frequent-subway-service-weekend-20230502-mowsr3v2gjhodpvbkcbpfsurf4-story.html | access-date=August 27, 2023}}</ref>

===CBTC signaling===
In December 2022, the MTA announced that it would award a $368&nbsp;million [[design–build]] contract to Crosstown Partners, a joint venture between Thales Group and TC Electric LLC, to install [[communications-based train control]] (CBTC) along the length of the G route.<ref name="Brachfeld 2022">{{cite web |last=Brachfeld |first=Ben |date=December 20, 2022 |title=MTA Set to Award $368 Million Contract to Modernize G Line Signals |url=https://www.amny.com/transit/mta-contract-modernize-g-line-signals/ |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=amNewYork}}</ref><ref name="dec22cpoc">{{Cite web |date=December 19, 2022 |title=Capital Program Oversight Committee Meeting December 2022 |url=https://new.mta.info/document/102776 |access-date=July 14, 2022 |website=mta.info |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |pages=99–101}}</ref> The contract includes not only the Crosstown Line between Court Square and Bergen Street, but also the Culver Line between Bergen Street and Church Avenue.<ref name="dec22cpoc" /> The project also included adding [[Passenger Wi-Fi on subway trains|Wi-Fi in the tunnels]].<ref>{{cite web | last=Burkett | first=N.J. | title=Exclusive look at MTA's G train modernization and what it means for riders in New York City | website=ABC7 New York | date=August 7, 2024 | url=https://abc7ny.com/post/exclusive-look-mtas-train-modernization-what-means-riders-new-york-city/15153632/ | access-date=August 8, 2024}}</ref> Upon the completion of the contract, the G would be one of three routes in the system to be entirely equipped with CBTC, besides the [[L (New York City Subway service)|L]] and [[7 (New York City Subway service)|7]] trains.<ref name="Brachfeld 2022" />

To accommodate the CBTC upgrades, the Crosstown Line was partially closed in three phases starting on June 28, 2024, and G service was partially suspended. Initially, the northern half of the line was closed, followed by the southern half.<ref>{{cite web | title=NYC commuter alert: G train service partially suspended starting Friday night in Brooklyn for MTA signal modernization project | website=ABC7 New York | date=June 28, 2024 | url=https://abc7ny.com/post/nyc-commuter-alert-g-train-service-partially-suspended-starting-friday-night-brooklyn-queens-mta-modernization-project/15008574/ | access-date=July 7, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Zanger | first=Jesse | title=G train service will be partially shut down throughout the summer. Here's what to expect. | website=CBS New York | date=May 30, 2024 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/g-subway-line-partial-summer-shutdown/ | access-date=July 7, 2024}}</ref> Local politicians asked the MTA to operate full-length G trains and extend the route to Forest Hills following the partial closures.<ref>{{cite web | last=Schwach | first=Ryan | title=Local pols want G train restored to former Queens glory | website=Queens Daily Eagle | date=January 29, 2024 | url=https://queenseagle.com/all/2024/1/27/local-pols-want-g-train-restored-to-former-queens-glory | access-date=June 13, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Heyward | first=Giulia | title=Politicians demand bigger G train upgrades during summer shutdown of line | website=Gothamist | date=January 24, 2024 | url=https://gothamist.com/news/politicians-demand-bigger-g-train-upgrades-during-summer-shutdown-of-line | access-date=June 13, 2024}}</ref> However, MTA chairman [[Janno Lieber]] said that longer G trains would not be restored until ridership levels increase, though the CBTC signaling would be capable of handling lengthened G trains.<ref name="Khalifeh Nessen 2024 t297">{{cite web | last1=Khalifeh | first1=Ramsey | last2=Nessen | first2=Stephen | title=MTA says full-length G trains could be possible someday thanks to line's summer shutdown | website=Gothamist | date=June 12, 2024 | url=https://gothamist.com/news/mta-says-full-length-g-trains-could-be-possible-1-day-thanks-to-lines-summer-shutdown | access-date=June 13, 2024}}</ref> Full service resumed on September 3, 2024.<ref name=":0">{{cite web | last=Medgie | first=Raegan | title=NYC Subway: G train back to full service after summer repairs and modernization project | website=ABC7 New York | date=September 3, 2024 | url=https://abc7ny.com/post/nyc-subway-train-back-running-after-summer-shutdown-repairs-part-modernization-project/15262369/ | access-date=September 4, 2024}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web | last=Simko-Bednarski | first=Evan | title=G train reopens as MTA crews wrap up subway signaling work | website=New York Daily News | date=September 3, 2024 | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/09/03/g-train-reopens-mta-crews-wrap-up-subway-signaling-work/ | access-date=September 4, 2024}}</ref> As part of the project, the Crosstown Line tunnels used by the G train between the Court Square and Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets stations were retrofitted with [[5G]] cellular service,<ref>{{cite web | last=Khalifeh | first=Ramsey | title=Cell service coming to G train subway tunnels, MTA says | website=Gothamist | date=May 28, 2025 | url=https://gothamist.com/news/cell-service-coming-to-g-train-subway-tunnels-mta-says | access-date=May 29, 2025}}</ref> which was activated north of [[Bedford–Nostrand Avenues station|Bedford–Nostrand Avenues]] in November 2025.<ref>{{cite web | last=Jack | first=Dominique | title=More underground cell service coming to MTA subway tunnels in NYC | website=PIX11 | date=November 12, 2025 | url=https://pix11.com/news/transit/more-cell-service-coming-to-mta-subway-tunnels-in-nyc/amp/ | access-date=November 15, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Laterman | first=Kaya | title=G Train Riders Get a 5G Cellular Upgrade | website=BKReader | date=November 14, 2025 | url=https://www.bkreader.com/business-innovation/g-train-riders-get-a-5g-cellular-upgrade-11489376 | access-date=November 15, 2025}}</ref> The MTA indicated in July 2025 that the Crosstown CBTC upgrade would be delayed due to the need to add new 5G transmitters to the [[R211 (New York City Subway car)|R211]]s used on the G route.<ref name="Simko-Bednarski n562">{{cite web | last=Simko-Bednarski | first=Evan | title=G train signal upgrades will take longer amid equipment upgrades: MTA | website=New York Daily News | date=July 28, 2025 | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/07/28/g-train-signal-upgrades-will-take-longer-amid-equipment-upgrades-mta/ | access-date=July 29, 2025}}</ref>

== Fleet ==
The G operates {{convert|300|ft|adj=on}} trains, half the length of normal B Division standards. It also operates [[One-man operation|One Person Train Operation (OPTO)]] service during late nights and weekends.<ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013" /> Since the G's stations can still accommodate full-length {{convert|600|ft|adj=on}} trains, trains serve only certain parts of the platform at each station (see {{Section link|2=Changes to train length}}).<ref name="DNA-GLineSigns-2014" /> {{As of|July 2025}}, the G's fleet entirely consists of [[R211 (New York City Subway car)|R211A]] and [[R211 (New York City Subway car)|R211T]] cars,<ref name="Simko-Bednarski t808">{{cite web | last=Simko-Bednarski | first=Evan | title=G train upgraded to all new subway cars after months of running old ones | website=New York Daily News | date=July 22, 2025 | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/07/22/g-train-upgraded-all-new-subway-cars-months-running-old-ones/ | access-date=July 23, 2025}}</ref> the latter of which began running on the G in 2025.<ref>{{cite web | last=Khalifeh | first=Ramsey | title='Open gangway' subway trains debut on Brooklyn's G line: 'It's refreshing' | website=Gothamist | date=March 4, 2025 | url=https://gothamist.com/news/open-gangway-subway-trains-debut-on-brooklyns-g-line-its-refreshing | access-date=March 4, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Rahhal | first=Emily | title=The G train is getting new open gangway subway cars | website=PIX 11 News | date=March 4, 2025 | url=https://pix11.com/news/the-g-train-is-getting-new-open-gangway-subway-cars/ | access-date=March 4, 2025}}</ref> The G route typically operates with 13 train sets, four of which are R211Ts and the rest R211As.<ref name="Simko-Bednarski t808"/>

==Route==

===Service pattern===
[[File:Linea G metropolitana di New York.png|thumb|right|To scale line map]]
The G uses the following lines with the same service pattern at all times.<ref>{{NYCS const|serviceguide}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable collapsible" style="font-size:95%"
|-
! Line
! From
! To
! Tracks
|-
| [[IND Crosstown Line]]
| [[Court Square (IND Crosstown Line)|Court Square]]
| [[Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets (New York City Subway)|Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets]]
| all
|-
| [[IND Culver Line]]
| [[Bergen Street (IND Culver Line)|Bergen Street]]
| [[Church Avenue (IND Culver Line)|Church Avenue]]
| local
|}

===Stations===
For a more detailed station listing, see the articles on the lines listed above.<ref name="timetable"/>
{{NYCS service legend
| alltimes = show
| allexceptnights = show
| nightsonly = show
| nightsweekends =
| weekdaysonly = show
| allexceptrush = show
| allexceptweekdays =
| dailyexceptrush =
| rushonly =
| rushpeak =
| closed = show
| custom_icon_1 = rushonly
| custom_text_1 = Stops rush hours only (limited service)
| custom_icon_2 = rushpeak
| custom_text_2 = Stops weekdays in the peak direction only
}}
{| class="wikitable collapsible" style="font-size:90%" summary="Service information for the G train and its stations, including service times, ADA-accessibility, subway transfers, and non-subway connections."
! style="width:3%;"| [[File:NYCS-bull-trans-G-Std.svg|20px|G service]]
! style="width:28%;"| Stations
! style="width:3%;"| {{Access icon}}
! style="width:36%;"| Subway transfers
! style="width:30%;"| Connections
|-
| style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center" colspan="5"| [[Queens]]
|-
| style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center" colspan="5"| [[IND Crosstown Line|Crosstown Line]]
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Court Square|Crosstown}}
| align=center | {{access icon}}
| {{NYCS Flushing south|time=show}} ([[IRT Flushing Line]])<br />{{NYCS Queens 53rd|time=show}} ([[IND Queens Boulevard Line]] at {{stl|NYCS|Court Square–23rd Street}})
|
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|21st Street}}
|
|
| [[Long Island Rail Road|LIRR]] [[City Terminal Zone]] at {{stl|LIRR|Hunterspoint Avenue}} (peak hours only)
|-
| style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center" colspan="5"| [[Brooklyn]]
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Greenpoint Avenue}}
| align=center | {{Access icon}}
|
|  {{Ferry icon}} '''[[NYC Ferry]]''': East River Route (at India Street west of West Street)
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Nassau Avenue}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Metropolitan Avenue|Crosstown}}
| align=center | {{access icon}}
| {{NYCS Canarsie|time=1}} ([[BMT Canarsie Line]] at {{stl|NYCS|Lorimer Street|Canarsie}})
|
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Broadway|Crosstown}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Flushing Avenue|Crosstown}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Myrtle–Willoughby Avenues}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Bedford–Nostrand Avenues}}
|
|
| [[B44 (New York City bus)|B44 Select Bus Service]]
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Classon Avenue}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Clinton–Washington Avenues|Crosstown}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Fulton Street|Crosstown}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets}}
| align=center | [[File:Aiga elevator.svg|20px|alt=Elevator access to mezzanine only]]
| {{NYCS Fulton|time=show}} ([[IND Fulton Street Line]])
|
|-
| style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center" colspan="5"| [[IND Culver Line|Culver Line]]
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Bergen Street|Culver}}
|
| {{NYCS Culver IND north local|time=show|exclude=G}}
|Southern terminal for severe weather trips.<ref>{{cite web|title=New York City Subway Severe Winter Weather|url=https://www.mta.info/map/9471|publisher=MTA|access-date=16 December 2025}}</ref>
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Carroll Street}}
|
| {{NYCS Culver IND north local|time=show|exclude=G}}
|
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Smith–Ninth Streets}}
|
| {{NYCS Culver IND north local|time=show|exclude=G}}
|
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Fourth Avenue}}
|
| {{NYCS Culver IND north local|time=show|exclude=G}}<br />{{NYCS Fourth center local|time=show}} ([[BMT Fourth Avenue Line]] at {{stl|NYCS|Ninth Street}})
|
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Seventh Avenue|Culver}}
| align=center | {{Access icon}}
| {{NYCS Culver IND north|time=show|exclude=G}}
|
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|15th Street–Prospect Park}}
|
| {{NYCS Culver IND north local|time=show|exclude=G}} 
|
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Fort Hamilton Parkway|Culver}}
|
| {{NYCS Culver IND north local|time=show|exclude=G}}
|
|-
| align=center | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Church Avenue|Culver}}
| align=center | {{Access icon}}
| {{NYCS Culver IND north|time=show|exclude=G}}
|
|}

== In popular culture ==
The G train is shown in the TV series [[Girls (TV series)|''Girls'']], as the show's main character, Hannah, lives in Greenpoint (near a stop along the G) and sometimes uses the route.<ref name="Fitzsimmons 2016" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/09/fashion/Girls-Lena-Dunham.html |title=Lena Dunham Attends the HBO 'Girls' Season Premiere in Manhattan |last=Detrick |first=Ben |date=January 8, 2014 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=October 14, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805160201/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/09/fashion/Girls-Lena-Dunham.html |archive-date=August 5, 2016 }}</ref> The G train is also the subject of the song "G Train" by [[Thirdstory]], featuring [[Pusha T]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2016/09/25/this-band-has-hit-it-big-with-a-funny-song-about-the-g-train/|title=This Band Has Hit It Big with a Funny Song About the G Train|last=Phull|first=Hardeep|date=September 25, 2016|website=New York Post|language=en|access-date=October 22, 2019}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Brooklyn–Queens Connector]], an unbuilt light rail route in Brooklyn and Queens
* [[Triboro RX]], a proposed light rail route in Brooklyn and Queens

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|G (New York City Subway service)}}
* [http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/gline.htm MTA NYC Transit – G Brooklyn-Queens Crosstown Local]
* {{NYCS const|traintime|G}}
* {{NYCS const|timetable|G}}
* MTA NYC Transit – [http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_LineReview.htm "NYC Transit G LINE REVIEW"]
** [http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_LineReview_7_10_13.pdf Main document] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224164006/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_LineReview_7_10_13.pdf |date=December 24, 2019 }}
** [http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_Appendices_7_10_13.pdf Appendix] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127233038/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_Appendices_7_10_13.pdf |date=January 27, 2016 }} – service statistics and proposed improvements. Also includes track diagrams, station layouts, and rolling stock.

{{NYCS navbox}}

{{good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:G (New York City Subway Service)}}
[[Category:Independent Subway System|#]]
[[Category:New York City Subway services]]