Staten Island Railway (SIR) | Staten Island

The Staten Island Railway (SIR) is a unique and historically significant part of New York City's transit network. It serves as the primary rapid transit line on Staten Island, operating independently of the NYC Subway system but under the umbrella of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Here's a detailed breakdown of its features, operations, and history:

Overview

Length: 14 miles (22.5 kilometers)

Terminals:

North: St. George Terminal

South: Tottenville

Stations: 21

Operator: New York City Transit (NYCT)

Owner: Staten Island Rapid Transit Operating Authority (SIRTOA), an MTA subsidiary

Track Gauge: Standard gauge (4 ft 8½ in)

Power: Electrified using third rail (600 V DC)

Operations

Service Frequency:

Rush Hours: Trains every 15–20 minutes

Off-Peak: Every 30 minutes

Weekends/Nights: Reduced frequency, but service runs 24/7

Fare Collection:

Fare is collected only at St. George and Tompkinsville stations.

Rides between other stations are free (essentially an honor system).

Standard fare: $2.90 (MetroCard or OMNY)

Free transfer to NYC buses or subways via OMNY or MetroCard

Rolling Stock:

As of 2024, the R211S fleet is being phased in to replace the aging R44 cars, marking the first major fleet upgrade in 50 years.

These new cars offer:

Wider doors for quicker boarding

Digital information screens

Enhanced lighting and climate control

CCTV and better accessibility features

Connectivity

Staten Island Ferry:

The primary connection between Staten Island and the rest of NYC.

Ferries run between St. George Terminal and Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan.

No Direct Subway Connection:

The SIR is not connected to any other subway line, making Staten Island the only NYC borough without subway access.

However, the Staten Island Ferry provides a free link to the 1, R, and 4/5 subway lines in Manhattan.

Station Layout

Key Stations:

St. George: Major terminal with ferry access

Tompkinsville: Secondary fare collection point

Tottenville: Southern terminal with park-and-ride options

Accessibility: Some stations are ADA-compliant, but not all. The MTA is gradually improving accessibility.

Historical Context

Founded: Originally chartered in 1860

Previous Branches:

North Shore Branch: Passenger service ended in 1953, now used for freight.

South Beach Branch: Also discontinued in 1953.

Efforts to revive the North Shore Branch as a light rail or bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor are ongoing.

Former Names: Staten Island Rapid Transit (SIRT) before rebranding under the MTA.

Recent and Future Developments

R211S Fleet Rollout (2024):

Major modernization effort, replacing R44s from the 1970s.

Full deployment expected by the end of 2024.

Signal Upgrades:

Plans to replace aging signal systems for better reliability.

Proposals:

Light Rail on North Shore Branch

Improved bus-rail integration

Further accessibility improvements

Unique Aspects

Fare Collection Model: Unusual in that fares are only collected at two stations. This makes intra-island travel effectively free if passengers avoid St. George or Tompkinsville.

Isolated Rail System: Though part of the MTA, the SIR is functionally a standalone railway, more similar to a commuter rail line than a traditional subway.