The MTA introduced a new breed of subway cars that include security cameras for the first time and an open design, allowing passengers to move from one car to the next with ease.
The new R211 train car is part of the MTA’s goal of bringing a modernized subway experience to New Yorkers.
“Upgrading rolling stock is one of the pillars of the MTA $55 billion capital program. We have $6 billion in rolling stock in the plan because New Yorkers want train cars that haven’t lived through eight presidents like our beloved r46s,” said Janno Lieber, the MTA’s CEO and chair.
What You Need To Know
- The new R211 train car include security cameras for the first time and an open design, allowing passengers to move from one car to the next with ease
- With safety a top concern, the MTA says these new cars will also be equipped with cameras — a first for the agency
- Other amenities include illuminated door opening signals, modern train signals and a new IT system that will help detect breakdowns on trains
The agency allowed the media to ride the new cars for the first time Friday.
The “open gangway” design will allow the entire train set to be connected — making it easier for passengers to move from car to car; a dangerous and also prohibited action on other cars.
With safety a top concern, the MTA says these new cars will also be equipped with cameras — a first for the agency.
Last year, the MTA announced that all subways would have cameras on board. The agency says these new security cameras have the ability to be monitored live.
The new cars, manufactured by Kawasaki in Nebraska, also aim for more comfort and efficiency.
“Better features, wider doors, for example, to improve customers getting on and off more quickly. Better backgrounds in terms of stations. For our customers that are disabled there will be designated spaces for those customers,” said New York City Transit president Richard Davey.
Other amenities include illuminated door opening signals, modern train signals and a new IT system that will help detect breakdowns on trains.
Officials said because New Yorkers rely on the subway, this upgrade is long overdue and that is why it invested billions into getting these cars up and running.
“This new fleet will help carry New Yorkers to work, school healthcare and all the places that make this city the best place on earth,” said Stephen Goodman, a regional administrator out of the Federal Transit Administration’s New York office.
Twenty new “open gangway” cars will hit the A & C lines by the spring of this year as part of a pilot program. Over the next 18 months, the MTA will add 1,100 cars into circulation.