New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has unveiled one of the two R211 open gangway subway trains at its Coney Island Yard in Brooklyn.
The new subway cars are currently undergoing testing and are expected to enter revenue service at the end of 2023.
These vehicles are part of a 535-car order for the R211 model. This order includes 20 open gangway cars, 515 standard cars and 15 Staten Island Railway five-car trains.
Testing on the standard R211s is also underway, with the vehicles scheduled to enter passenger service this spring.
“Putting these cars into service will be a huge milestone in the MTA’s efforts to modernise our fleet. These modern subway cars will of course upgrade the passenger experience, but they will also complement our signal improvement efforts and allow us to run more trains and provide more frequent subway service.”
Both new models feature security cameras, digital displays with detailed station-specific information and brighter lighting.
They also have 58-inch-wide door openings that are designed to speed up boarding and reduce the amount of time trains sit in stations.
“These new subway cars feature security cameras and digital displays along with wider doorways that will help speed up boarding times, run more reliable service and create a more modern experience for riders. NYC Transit is working hard to provide the best service possible as we continue to welcome riders back to mass transit.”
MTA’s procurement of R211 cars is a critical part of its ongoing modernisation efforts. They will be phased into service starting on the A and C lines.
