Mamdani Signals Openness to Restoring Weekend G Train Service to Forest Hills

Mayor says his administration is "digging into" advocates' push to extend the G train to the Queens neighborhood.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani indicated that his administration is seriously considering a proposal to restore weekend G train service to Forest Hills, Queens - a change that advocates argue would ease commutes between Brooklyn and Queens. While the MTA ultimately has the final say, Mamdani signaled he would be a powerful advocate for the idea.

Why it matters

Extending the G train to Forest Hills on weekends could provide a more direct transit connection between neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens, improving commutes and access to key destinations along the route. As a former Astoria Assembly member, Mamdani is seen as well-positioned to push the MTA and state government to embrace the proposal.

The details

The G train currently runs from Church Av in Brooklyn to Court Sq-23rd St in Queens. The proposed change would extend the line to Forest Hills 71st-Av on Saturdays and Sundays. This would connect areas like Astoria, Elmhurst, and Rego Park in Queens to Williamsburg, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Park Slope in Brooklyn. The G train used to run to Forest Hills on nights and weekends until 2010, when the MTA cited financial struggles and capacity issues on the Queens Boulevard line as reasons for shortening the route.

  • In 2010, the MTA shortened the G train route and stopped weekend service to Forest Hills.
  • On February 11, 2026, Mayor Mamdani discussed the proposal during a state budget hearing in Albany.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, who previously served as an Assembly member representing Astoria.

Claire Valdez

A New York State Assembly member and Congressional candidate who represents parts of western Queens.

Janno Lieber

The chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

Jaqi Cohen

The director of climate and equity policy at the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, a leading advocate for the G train extension proposal.

John Surico

A transportation writer who lives in Astoria and has advocated for restoring weekend G train service to Forest Hills.

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What they’re saying

“It's a very interesting idea, and one we're digging into right now.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (amny.com)

“I think that he, as somebody who represented one of the outer-boroughs for years, gets it. And we were really excited to see him acknowledge that it's an idea worth looking into.”

— Jaqi Cohen, Director of climate and equity policy, Tri-State Transportation Campaign (amny.com)

“The mayor can really be this bully pulpit for this idea. He knows this problem better than anyone, that it's really difficult to go between these two boroughs at a time when these two boroughs have never been more important for the city's economy.”

— John Surico, Transportation writer (amny.com)

What’s next

The MTA will need to further evaluate the feasibility and potential impacts of restoring weekend G train service to Forest Hills. Mayor Mamdani has signaled his administration will advocate for the proposal, but the final decision rests with the transit agency.

The takeaway

Extending the G train to Forest Hills on weekends could provide a more direct public transit link between Brooklyn and Queens, improving commutes and access to key destinations. As a former outer-borough representative, Mayor Mamdani appears well-positioned to push the MTA and state government to seriously consider this proposal.