The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced Tuesday that the Staten Island Railway will receive new R211 subway cars in early 2024.
Five cars, part of the 525-car order which includes 440 R211A standard cars with state-of-the-art amenities, rolled out on Tuesday. The order also includes 75 Staten Island Railway cars and 20 cars with an open gangway feature. The cars were transported to the Clifton Maintenance Shop on Staten Island via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from Brooklyn.
“For the first time in 50 years, brand new, faster, cleaner and safer trains are coming to Staten Island,” said New York City Transit President Richard Davey. “These new, top-of-the-line R211 cars feature security cameras and digital displays, along with wider doorways that will help speed up boarding times and run more reliable service. I look forward to delivering Staten Island Railway customers a totally modernized fleet as we introduce more new cars in the future.”
The cars are part of MTA’s modernization efforts and feature 58-inch-wide door openings – wider doors than current designs that are expected to speed boarding and reduce the amount of time trains idle at the stations.
“Wider doors and additional accessible seating will drastically improve the experience for all riders, particularly those with disabilities, parents with strollers and seniors,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “I’m excited for riders on Staten Island to experience a more comfortable and convenient ride.”
The models also include security cameras, additional accessible seating, digital displays with more detailed station-specific information, and brighter lighting and signage, among other features.
“We’ve spent many years talking about modernizing our transportation infrastructure — now, I am glad to see that we are finally doing it,” said Assembly Member Michael Reilly. “These R211 cars will ensure quick, comfortable, and reliable transportation for Staten Islanders who use the Staten Island Railway as part of their daily commute.”