The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), North America’s largest transportation network, recently launched new R211S subway cars into service on the Staten Island Railway (SIR).
The cars are part of the MTA’s ongoing modernization efforts and replace R44s subway cars from 1973.
The R211S cars travel an average of 240,000 miles between replacements and major repairs. They feature 58-inch-wide door openings, additional accessible seating, brighter lighting and signage, digital route displays that will provide more detailed station-specific information, and security cameras.
“The new R211S train cars include more accessible seating and wider doorways, making getting on and off easier for all customers,” Quemuel Arroyo, MTA chief accessibility officer, said. “I look forward to seeing SIR customers experience more reliable and accessible service on these top-of-the-line train cars.”
The MTA Board approved the purchase of 535 cars including 20 cars with the open gangway feature, 75 Staten Island Railway cars and 440 R211A standard cars with state-of-the-art amenities.
The board also approved the order of 640 additional standard R211 subway cars. The order brings the total number of new subway cars within the next two years to 1,080.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority serves a 5,000-square-mile area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut.