The new fleet, which will operate on the 1-7 lines and the 42nd street shuttle, will be designed to improve passenger flow to decrease dwell times at stations and increase capacity.

The move comes as the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) prepares to install CBTC on the Lexington Avenue 4, 5, 6 line.

NYC Transit is planning a base order for 504 new cars, dubbed R262 class, which will include an option for 445 cars. The tender will include a second option for 415 cars that will be conditional on securing additional funding through the 2025-2029 Capital Plan. Funding the base order of the R262 cars and the first option has been approved as part of the 2020-2024 Capital Plan.

NYC Transit says it is seeking competitive proposals from manufacturers to allow the agency to consider technical approaches, overall technical qualifications including experience, product quality and delivery schedule, overall project cost and financial benefits. NYC Transit will return to the MTA board for approval of the final contract award after the RFP is complete.

The specifications for the new R262 will be based on the latest technical specifications for the R211 subway cars, which are being designed for A-N, Q, R, W and Z lines, as well as the Franklin Avenue and Rockaway Park shuttles. The trains will feature updated crash standards, modern communications and signage, and immediate compatibility with CBTC.

The R262 will also feature specific design elements including an open gangway design and added hearing loops for hearing-impaired customers.

“We must pursue the next generation of subway cars now as we prepare to resignal the subway system so that we can deliver all the necessary elements - new signals, the new fleet, and new crew training - when we’re ready to implement,” said MTA CEO, Mr Mario Péloquin. “These next generation subways cars have proven not only successful but safe around the world and will be a gamechanger in New York. I’m excited because they are designed to quickly get people on and off trains and balance crowding, which gets New Yorkers to their destinations faster.”

  • For detailed information on New York’s plans for CBTC, see the April issue of IRJ.

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