A Sneak Peek at the MTA’s New Open Gangway Subway Car Prototype

In the latest chapter of transit news, a preview of the MTA’s new line of subway trains was recently released in a video posted by NY1. A model of the R-2-11 train, which will feature an open-gangway between cars (similar to “articulated” buses already on the road) is currently stashed behind a construction wall in the Number 7 line’s West 34th Street-Hudson Yards station, where we also recently caught site of Vessel, the beehive-like public installation, in mid-construction.

Image via the MTA. Renderings released in July 2016

Image via the MTA. Renderings released in July 2016

Image via the MTA. Renderings released in July 2016

The new trains, sometimes referred to as “articulated trains,” will feature corrugated rubber connectors instead of doors, which will increase passenger capacity by allowing commuters to ride in the gangway between cars. As seen in NY1’s video, the model is decorated with blue and yellow stripes and the state seal (as the MTA is run by the state and not the city, as is commonly thought).

Furthermore, the prototype includes WiFi, charging stations and digital video screens that will tell riders when they can expect to arrive at the next stop.

Image via MTA Capital Program Oversight Committee Meeting, January 2016. Renderings are from 2013.

Image via MTA Capital Program Oversight Committee Meeting, January 2016. Renderings are from 2013.

As we previously reported, New York City plans to roll out 10 prototypes of open gangway trains by early 2020’s. However, a full order of open gangway cars, if the prototypes are successful, would not arrive until the “late 2020s.” Furthermore, a full system wide change is not expected to take effect until the mid-2070s.

Next, discover the Top 12 Secrets of the NYC Subway and check out more Renderings of MTA’s Open Gangway Prototype Subway Cars for NYC.