The Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) signaling the largest rolling stock procurement in its history, totaling 2,390 new subway cars to replace more than a third of an aging fleet.
Many of the cars being replaced were built in the 1980s and early 2000s and are nearing the end of their service life, which transit officials say contributes to more breakdowns and delays across the system. The replacement program could ultimately replace about 36% of the subway fleet.
The expected $12 billion investment will replace older R62, R62A, R142 and R142A cars with the new R262 model, which is expected to be safer and more reliable. On average, an R262 is projected to operate about 200,000 miles between failures compared to roughly 89,000 miles for the current fleet.
According to the RFP, the new cars will include features designed to improve the rider experience, including assistive listening technology for hearing-impaired passengers and open gangways in some cars to allow passengers to move between cars and create more space inside trains.
The RFP also focuses on technology intended to improve efficiency and maintenance, including automatic passenger counting systems and electric braking controls. The cars will also include upgraded security features such as onboard and platform CCTV cameras and electronic cab locks.
The purchase will be administered by Jessie Lazarus, who was selected last month by the MTA to oversee the Rolling Stock Program, which includes replacement of subway cars as well as buses and commuter rail vehicles across the system.
The initial order will include at least 1,140 cars to replace trains operating on the 1, 3 and 6 lines. An additional 1,250 cars to replace trains on the 2, 4 and 5 lines may be included as an option.
Proposals are due Sept. 8, with contracts expected to be awarded in 2028 and the first trains entering service in the early 2030s. If all options are exercised, the order would total 2,390 cars, more than five times the size of Boston’s entire subway fleet.
Photo by Tim Gouw from Pexels
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