The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) standard R211 subway cars are being phased into service on the A subway line. The cars are part of a 535-car order of the R211a model, which includes 440 cars with state-of-the-art amenities, 15 Staten Island Railway five-car trains and 20 cars with the open gangway feature.
The R211 cars are a critical part of MTA's ongoing modernization efforts and feature 58-inch-wide door openings that are eight inches wider than standard door openings on existing cars -- designed to speed up boarding and reduce the amount of time trains sit in stations.
The models include security cameras, additional accessible seating, digital displays that will provide more detailed station-specific information and brighter lighting and signage, among other features that improve the customer experience.
“The new cars are going to give our riders a more modern passenger experience, so riding the subway no longer feels like a step into the past,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “We’re investing over $6 billion in new train cars as part of the historic $55 billion MTA Capital Program, and it’s not just for aesthetics because these new train cars enable us to run more frequent service.”
“Faster, cleaner, safer is what we often say is our goal within New York City (NYC) Transit, and what we’re delivering with the R211s are faster, cleaner and safer trains,” said NYC Transit President Richard Davey. “These cars feature security cameras and digital displays, along with wider doorways that will help speed up boarding times and run more reliable service.”
“Wider doors and additional accessible seating will drastically improve the experience for all riders and particularly those with disabilities,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “Future open gangway pilot cars will also allow customers with mobility devices or strollers the ability to move through a train like never before, and I'm excited to try out these new cars."
“Our commitment to provide the best and most reliable service to our customers is unwavering, and these state-of-the-art subway cars are proof of that,” said NYC Transit Senior Vice President for Subways Demetrius Crichlow. “The R211s will give riders a more efficient, comfortable and modern experience.”
In October 2022, the MTA Board approved an order of 640 additional R211 subway cars, bringing the total number of new subway cars to 1,175 within the next two years. This second set of new subway cars is expected to be delivered in early 2025. If testing is successful, there is a second option for an additional 437 cars that could feature open gangways.
“Modernizing our transit systems has been one of the linchpins of my prescription for helping the MTA recover ridership,” said New York State Sen. Leroy Comrie. “The introduction of the upgraded train cars will enhance the commuting experience for New Yorkers and be a part of the future-forward thinking New Yorkers need from the MTA.”
"I am pleased to welcome the MTA's announcement of its ongoing modernization efforts with the phase-in of its standard R211 subway car into service on the A subway line,” said New York State Sen. Robert Jackson. “These subway lines are a vital transportation artery for many working-class folks in my district, and I am thrilled to see the MTA’s plans come to fruition. I look forward to experiencing riding on one of them soon.”
