Five of the standard R211 subway cars have been unveiled on the Staten Island Railway, just months after the MTA launched the brand new train cars on the A line. Staten Island hasn’t seen new train cars in more than 50 years!
The Staten Island introduction of these state-of-the-art train cars is all part of the 535-car order to modernize the MTA. The full order consists of 440 R211A standard cars, 75 Staten Island Railway cars and 20 cars with the open gangway feature. The cars will be phased into service on the Staten Island Railway by 2024.
Each car features 58-inch-wide door openings (eight inches wider than standard door openings) to help speed up the boarding process. Additionally, the top-of-the-line train cars include security cameras, digital screens and further accessibility features.
“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. “I look forward to delivering Staten Island Railway customers a totally modernized fleet as we introduce more new cars in the future.”
The last new fleet that joined the Staten Island Railway was first introduced in 1973. These were the R44s that are still in service today. They will eventually be replaced by the R211 cars.
“The R211 cars are a welcomed upgrade to the Staten Island Railway, which has maintained its 70’s design and operational abilities since the current R44 cars entered service in 1973,” said Assembly Member Sam Pirozzolo. “I hope Staten Islanders enjoy this modernized experience, and I look forward to seeing them in action.”
Within the next two years, NYC will see 1,080 new subway cars. All new cars for the Staten Island Railway are expected to arrive by the end of next year.
“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,” said Assembly Member Michael Reilly.
Find out more here.