NYCT
MTA New York City Transit on July 21 debuted a R211A/S trainset from Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. on the B line, marking the first time such trainsets have run in the Bronx (see video above). They are now operating in all five boroughs.
The R211 rapid transit cars feature 58-inch-wide door openings that are eight inches wider than standard door openings on existing cars, which NYCT said is designed to speed boarding and reduce the amount of time trains sit in stations. These models include security cameras, additional accessible seating, digital displays that will provide more detailed station-specific information, and brighter lighting and signage, among other features that are said to improve the rider experience.
“I’m thrilled that B train riders from the Bronx to Brooklyn will experience safer and more reliable service with this addition,” NYCT President Demetrius Crichlow commented.
“These modernized railcars are a major investment for our riders, who will now have the chance to catch an R211 in all five boroughs,” MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara added. “New railcars are a major component of our Capital Plan that will allow us to run more frequent service for years to come.”
According to NYCT, the R211s will eventually replace all R44s on the Staten Island Railway and the current fleet of R46 cars, which have been in service on the A and C lines, as well as the N, Q, R and W lines for decades. The transit agency said the new cars will also allow it to begin replacement of the R68s, which entered service in the mid-1980s and primarily operate on the B, D, N and W lines. Open-gangway cars (R211T) began operating on the G line in March and the C line in February 2024.
The R211s are said to have an average MDBF (mean distance between failure) rate of approximately 220,000 miles, compared with the R46’s 46,000 miles.
In January 2018, the MTA awarded a contract to Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. to design, build, and deliver 535 rapid transit cars, comprising 440 R211As and 20 R211Ts for NYCT, and 75 R211S cars for Staten Island Railway. The contract included two options: Option 1 for 640 cars, and Option 2, for 333-437 cars. In October 2022, the agency exercised Option 1 for 640 R211 for $1.78 billion. MTA in December 2024 exercised Option 2 for 435 additional R211s—355 R211A/S cars and 80 R211T cars. The option, valued at $1.27 billion, brought the total number of R211s ordered to 1,610. MTA began phasing into service the first two R211T trainsets in 2024.
Concurrent with MTA’s announcement, Alstom reported that it has exercised its second option with Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. to supply propulsion components for NYCT’s 435 Option 2 R211 subway cars. “More than 80% of the New York City Transit fleet will be equipped with Alstom’s propulsion system upon delivery of all 1,610 R211 cars,” the company said. Propulsion components will be manufactured at Alstom’s Hornell, N.Y., facility.
MDOT MTA
MDOT MTA on July 21 issued a Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan (download below) outlining actions to be implemented over the next year to improve service reliability, communication, accessibility, cleanliness, and safety across its bus, light rail, Metro subway, MARC commuter rail, and Mobility paratransit services.
The agency’s newly established Office of Customer Experience developed the plan, which was also shaped by input from thousands of riders, stakeholders and advocates.
Highlights of the CX plan include:
- “Service Reliability: Improve on-time performance and fleet availability to deliver expected levels of service.
- “Safety: Implement additional protocols to ensure riders feel secure while traveling on the system.
- “Improved Accessibility: Enhance the way in which riders can access schedules, navigate stations and contact the agency.
- “Transit App Interface: Improve communication of the app’s functionality, features and benefits.
- “Communication: Improve communication on service disruptions, implement user-friendly digital signage, and improve wayfinding at stations and stops.
- “Cleanliness and Comfort: Increase vehicle cleaning schedules and develop a mechanism for rider reporting of concerns.
- “Fare Collection: Simplify fare payment options and improve access for low-income riders.
- “Rider Engagement: Continue engagement to ensure ongoing dialogue between the agency and our riders.”
The Office of Customer Experience, which has also recently launched a Customer Experience Dashboard, and the Rider Experience Team will continue to engage riders and incorporate their feedback to guide ongoing improvements, according to MDOT MTA. The CX Action Plan will be reviewed and refined annually to reflect progress and introduce new initiatives.
“Riders will always be at the center of everything we do,” Maryland Transit Administration Chief Customer Experience Officer Michael Helta said. “This plan is our commitment to listening to our riders and making transit more welcoming and reliable for everyone in the region.”
MDOT MTA earlier this month issued its updated 10-year Capital Needs Inventory report.
