what-are-the-subway-cars-of-the-future-that-have-already-been-tested-on-the-c-line-like?What are the Subway cars of the future that have already been tested on the C line like?

Passengers on the local Subway C line between Washington Heights and East New York, this Thursday, were the first to experience the new R211T cars, technically known as “open gangway” trains.

The difference with this new system is that there are no door divisions between the cars. The open gangway is an accordion-like device that allows passengers to move freely around the train at any time.

This concept, which is applied in many cities around the world, allows for more traveler capacity. This maiden voyage marks the first time such a train has operated in the modern history of the country’s metro system.

On traditional trains, moving between cars can be dangerous and life-threatening.

The R211T railcars feature 58-inch door openings, which are eight inches wider than the existing fleet. They are designed to speed up boarding and reduce the amount of time trains remain in stations.

In addition to wider doors, these cars offer additional accessible seating, digital screens that will provide more detailed station information, and brighter lighting and signage.

One of the aspects that were highlighted in the presentation of this system is that they are more accessible for people in wheelchairs and strollers.

“The advantage is that it allows people to not be trapped in a boxcar. There is more freedom of movement. So I think psychologically the experience is improved for passengers,” described Governor Kathy Hochul, at the time of the commissioning of these trains.

The new equipment includes pre-installed security cameras in each car, adding to the 1,000 subway cars that already have integrated cameras.

It is planned that the entire Subway fleet will have cameras installed by January 2025 to join the 15,000 security devices already operational in the 472 stations.

There are no door dividers between the cars, but rather something similar to accordions that allow passengers to move more easily in larger spaces. (Photo: Courtesy Marc Hermann – MTA)

Coming?

These two units of 8 R211T cars, which are already traveling on line C, will be used by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to measure the reaction of passengers and solve operational problems. Similar technology will be incorporated into other lines as the “option of the future” of the Big Apple’s most important transportation system.

All of Subway’s rolling stock will be progressively replaced, until, in a first stage, the oldest ones that date back to the 1970s, that is, those equipped with orange seats, are displaced. The timeline for this renovation is unclear.

In this sense, the president and CEO of the MTA, Janno Lieber, specified that the average age of MTA subway cars is 25 years.

“Our oldest metro car, R46, is almost 50 years old. As the next 20-year needs assessment noted, thousands of devices need to be purchased that must have more innovative designs and be eligible for federal funding. “This pilot program on the C line will teach us if the open walkway design works for New Yorkers,” she clarified.

For his part, Quemuel Arroyo, director of accessibility at the MTA, showed that the open walkway concept allows wheelchair users or those traveling with a stroller, for the first time in modern times, to navigate between train cars. without having to get off.

The inaugural R211T prototype had its maiden voyage this Thursday, February 1, 2024, symbolizing what will be the transportation of the future throughout Subway. (Photo: Don Pollard – Governor Office)

The data:

  • 100% of Subway cars will have security cameras installed by January 2025

By Scribe