The MTA has released its first photos of the new R211 class subways that will be coming to the New York City transit system on the lettered lines and the Staten Island Railway. An open gangway, which will allow passengers to cross between cars without opening doors, is among the numerous new innovations in the R211.
Photo courtesy MTA
In 2017, the MTA previewed a prototype of the cars at Hudson Yards and this is the first look at the cars in production. According to the MTA, “the move toward a first-in-class subway car is critically necessary and an essential part of modernizing our subway system.” The open gangway will have accordion-like walls, similar to those on articulated buses you have likely been on, and help reduce crowding by better distributing passengers more evenly on a train.
Photo courtesy MTA
Photo courtesy MTA
The doors will be eight inches wider than standard doors today reaching a span of 58 inches, which is intended to speed boarding and reduce delays. New double-poles, which have been rolled out on some subway cars already, will be standard in the R211. There will also be brighter lights and digital displays with real-time information about train service and stations.
Photo courtesy MTA
The 535 R211 cars are being made by Kawaksaki Rail Car. Inc at a cost of $1.4 billion and the first thirty test cars are anticipated to arrive later this year.
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Michelle is the founder of Untapped New York and the author of The Art Spy (HarperOne, forthcoming) Secret Brooklyn, Secret New York Hidden Bars & Restaurants, and Broadway. michelleyoungwriter.com
