MTA solicits bids for replacement of oldest subway cars on numbered lines in New York City.
In a significant development for New York City’s public transportation system, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has initiated the procurement process for a new generation of subway cars, designated as the R262. The announcement was made on Thursday and aims to replace the aging R62 subway car fleet currently operating on the city’s numbered lines, which include the 1, 3, and 6 lines. This new model is anticipated to become the backbone of the fleet servicing these lines, collectively referred to within the agency as the “A-division.”
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber emphasized the urgency of this initiative, noting that many of the subway cars in service have been operational for 40 to 50 years, significantly exceeding their intended lifespan. At the Rail Car Acceptance Facility in Sunset Park, Lieber remarked on the pressing need for modernization, given that replacing these long-serving vehicles will alleviate maintenance challenges associated with their age.
The request for proposals issued by the MTA seeks a manufacturer capable of providing an initial order of 1,140 subway cars, with an option for an additional 1,250 cars, thus allowing for comprehensive coverage across the numbered lines. In a shift towards more user-friendly designs, the MTA has also expressed interest in open-gangway configurations, enabling passengers to move seamlessly between train cars.
The R62 fleet, introduced in the early 1980s, marked a transformative period for New York’s transit system. Initially received as a modern upgrade to the older, graffiti-covered cars of that era, the R62s were a testament to the agency’s revitalization efforts. However, reports indicate that maintaining these older models has become increasingly challenging; spare parts are limited, and many systems are outdated, having not undergone significant modernization since the 1990s.
According to MTA data, contemporary models like the R211 can travel an average of approximately 300,000 miles before requiring extensive repairs, well above the lifespan of the R62 and R62A models. However, the constraints of the numbered lines’ narrower tunnels mean that newer models such as the R211 cannot be utilized on these routes.
MTA’s newly appointed train-car czar, Jesse Lazarus, articulated the agency’s ambition to develop a lighter, more technologically advanced vehicle compared to the R211. The R262 will integrate features like silicon-carbide inverters for enhanced propulsion efficiency and electronically controlled brakes aimed at reducing maintenance expenses.
While the introduction of the R262 represents a significant step toward modernizing New York’s subway system, the classic R62 cars will remain in operation for the foreseeable future. The MTA anticipates awarding the contract for the R262 production by 2028, with the first trains not expected to be in service until at least the 2030s. This timeline underscores the ongoing commitment to improving public transit in New York City while navigating the complexities of its existing infrastructure.
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