New R211 Subway Cars Roll Out in NYC

On Friday, straphangers, representatives from the MTA, and local officials took the first ride aboard a new R211 subway car. The new R211 subway car debuted and is now in service on the A-line, New York City’s longest subway line and one that currently has the oldest cars in the subway fleet. A total of 535 new subway cars are set to roll out including 440 cars with state-of-the-art amenities, 15 Staten Island Railway five-car trains, and 20 cars with the open gangway feature.

The new R211 subway cars feature upgrades like door openings that are eight inches wider than standard openings on existing cars. The doors also feature lights that glow green when doors are open and red when they are closing. Additional upgrades include more security cameras, additional accessible seating, detailed digital displays, and brighter lighting and signage.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber, NYCT President Richard Davey, City Council Transportation Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers, Acting Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara, and SVP of Subways Demetrius Crichlow were along for the inaugural ride.

Over the next two years, a total of 1,175 new subway cars will roll out in the subway system. While the first phase of the rollout has begun, the second delivery of cars is expected in 2025. Open-gangway subway cars, which we got a first look at in February, are currently being tested and can sometimes be spotted. Those cars are expected to roll out later this year. Check out more photos from the R211’s first public ride below:

Next, check out What to See at the End of the A Train