Key Highlights
- The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has ordered new $1.5 billion subway cars for the C line.
- The new R268 cars will replace the current 10-car R211 sets, leading to shorter trains on the C line.
- Eight-car R268 trains will be introduced to offset reduced capacity caused by the change in train length.
- This decision is part of a broader plan to modernize New York City’s subway fleet and address aging infrastructure.
New Subway Cars Mean Shorter Trains on C Line
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced plans to replace 10-car R211 trains with shorter eight-car R268 cars, leading to a shift in train length on the C line. The order of 378 new R268 cars comes as part of the MTA’s ongoing efforts to modernize its aging fleet and improve service efficiency.
Transitioning to Shorter Trains
The decision to switch from longer trains to shorter ones on the C line is significant. The MTA currently operates a mix of 10-car R211 trains, which have been in use for less than two years, and eight-car R179 trains, all of which are older models. According to Laura Cala-Rauch, an MTA spokesperson, the plan is to restore the C fleet to uniform eight-car trains (at 484 feet long), stating that these shorter trains are sufficient for current ridership levels.
Impact on Riders
This transition raises concerns among some transit advocates. Danny Pearlstein, a spokesman for Riders Alliance, argues that reducing capacity could negatively impact passengers. “The plan to shorten the C line trains is troubling,” he said. “If you’re going to reduce capacity, they should give people more seats.” The R211 and R268 cars both feature fewer seating options at the ends of the car, which Pearlstein contrasts with the comfort of older models like the R46 and R68.
Background on Subway Modernization
The shift towards shorter trains is part of a broader modernization effort by the MTA. In 2017, the agency launched its Subway Action Plan, which included plans to lengthen trains serving the C line with new R46 and R68 cars. However, recent ridership trends suggest that this plan may need adjustments. According to MTA data, subway ridership has been relatively slow to recover since the 2020 pandemic lockdowns.
“Lengthening the trains on the C line was a key part of our efforts to modernize and improve service,” explained Cala-Rauch. “But recent trends indicate that we may need to reassess some of these plans.” The new R268 cars, manufactured by Kawasaki, are designed with communication systems compatible with modern signaling technology, much like the R211 trains currently in use.
Future Implications
The decision to shorten trains on the C line reflects ongoing challenges faced by public transportation authorities. As New York City grapples with economic recovery and changing commuter habits post-pandemic, decisions about train length and capacity will continue to be a topic of debate.
“We may well need more capacity in the future,” acknowledged Pearlstein. “But if we don’t need it now, then we should get back the comfort that our riders have long enjoyed.” The shift towards shorter trains on the C line is just one chapter in what promises to be a complex and evolving story of subway modernization.
