New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has rolled out the first five R211 subway cars on the Staten Island Railway.
This launch is the first step in phasing these new vehicles into service on the network in early 2024 as part of MTA’s ongoing modernisation efforts.
Alongside new amenities and technologies, the R211 subway cars feature 58-inch-wide door openings that are eight inches wider than standard doors on MTA’s existing cars. This change is designed to speed up boarding and reduce the amount of time that trains sit in stations, while also improving accessibility.
These five units are the first new subway cars to be launched on Staten Island in more than 50 years.
They are part of a 535-car order which includes 440 R211A standard cars, 75 Staten Island Railway cars and 20 cars with the open gangway feature.
“We are investing in state-of-the-art subway cars that will allow us to provide the best and most reliable service to our customers. The R211S will give riders a more comfortable and modern experience on Staten Island.”
The new subway cars also feature security cameras, additional accessible seating, digital displays to provide detailed station-specific information, and brighter lighting and signage.
Earlier this year, new R211 cars also began operations on New York’s A line.
“For the first time in 50 years, brand new, faster, cleaner and safer trains are coming to Staten Island. These new, top-of-the-line R211 cars feature security cameras and digital displays, along with wider doorways that will help speed up boarding times and run more reliable service. I look forward to delivering Staten Island Railway customers a totally modernised fleet as we introduce more new cars in the future.”
