This article was released on February 4, 2023, and re-released on Thursday, February 27th 2025 with minor adjustments, and updated information.
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (THE WORLD TELEGRAM NEWS) — New York’s Metropolitan Transit Authority has unveiled the long-awaited R211 train cars. The MTA hosted the first train ride for the R211 on Friday, February 4th.
The train traveled from MTA’s Coney Island Yard in Brooklyn, stopped at Kings Highway (on the F line), and returned back to Coney Island. The R211 is expected to be fully rolled out in the spring.
This comes after over 10 years of internal development, and a quiet mock-up showcase by the Transit Authority in 2017 at the 34th Street-Hudson Yards train station.
The new trains have the following features:
- Accordion-Styled Open Gangway, allowing for free movement between train cars if necessary.
- Larger Doorways (58cm, compared to the current standard of 50cm)
- Fully Digital Signage
- Security Cameras (a first for a NYC Subway Car)
- USB Charging Ports and WiFi
(Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA)
Statement from MTA Officials
“Putting these cars into service will be a huge milestone in the MTA’s efforts to modernize our fleet,”
“These modern subway cars will of course upgrade the passenger experience, but they will also complement our signal improvement efforts and allow us to run more trains and provide more frequent subway service.” — MTA Chairman, Janno Lieber
“These new subway cars feature security cameras and digital displays along with wider doorways that will help speed up boarding times, run more reliable service and create a more modern experience for riders,”
“NYC Transit is working hard to provide the best service possible as we continue to welcome riders back to mass transit.” — President of MTA’s New York City Transit Division, Richard Davey.
You can read the MTA’s full press release here: https://new.mta.info/press-release/mta-unveils-new-r211-subway-cars
UPDATE: The R211T took its inaugural ride on the first R211T subway along the C line from the 207 St Yard on Thursday, Feb 1, 2024.
