Cutting-Edge Cars Feature Wider Doors, Security Cameras Throughout the Train, Digital Route Screens in Every Car, and Additional Accessibility Features
See Photos of New R211S Subway Cars from Today’s Event
See Video of Inaugural Ride of the R211S
See Video of Today’s Event
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today launched new R211S subway cars into service on the Staten Island Railway. The cars are part of a 535-car order which includes 440 R211A standard cars with state-of-the-art amenities, 75 Staten Island Railway cars and 20 cars with the open gangway feature. Following the announcement, attendees rode the first train in service on its inaugural ride from St. George Terminal.
These R211S cars are a critical part of the MTA's ongoing modernization efforts and feature 58-inch-wide door openings that are eight inches wider than standard door openings on existing cars – designed to speed up boarding and reduce the amount of time trains sit in stations. The new cars are also six times more reliable than cars in the current fleet – able to travel an average of 240,000 miles between replacements and major repairs.
“These beautiful new train cars are a major investment in transit on Staten Island,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Between the train and the 56 bus routes, we take great pride in the service the team delivers to help make Staten Island a great place to live.”
“Staten Island Railway customers will now enjoy a faster, cleaner and safer commute on the new R211Ss,” said New York City Transit Interim President Demetrius Crichlow. “These new cars are state-of-the-art, featuring the latest security and digital communications technology, all to ensure customers have the most comfortable and convenient ride.”
“The new R211S train cars include more accessible seating and wider doorways, making getting on and off easier for all customers,” said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. “I look forward to seeing SIR customers experience more reliable and accessible service on these top-of-the-line train cars.”
These models include security cameras, additional accessible seating, digital route displays that will provide more detailed station-specific information, and brighter lighting and signage, among other features that improve the customer experience.
The current class of cars on the Staten Island Railway are R44s, which joined the Staten Island Railway in 1973 after debuting on the subway the previous year.
In October 2022, the MTA announced the MTA Board had approved to order an additional 640 standard R211 subway cars, bringing the total number of new subway cars to 1,080 within the next two years.
“These new railway cars will go a long way in improving accessibility, public safety and the overall commuter experience on the Staten island Railway,” said Representative Nicole Malliotakis. “We appreciate the MTA’s attention to our borough’s transportation needs and I will continue to deliver federal transportation and infrastructure whenever possible.”
“I’m excited to see the new R211S train cars as a key part of modernizing Staten Island’s transportation system,” said Assembly Member Charles D. Fall. “With security cameras and wider doors, these cars will improve public safety while making commuting easier and more comfortable. I remain committed to supporting transit projects that enhance our infrastructure and improve daily commutes for our residents on Staten Island.”
“These new Staten Island railway cars have been long overdue,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. “Staten Island has long been behind the rest of the city in rail transportation, and replacing 50-year-old cars with brand new ones is a welcome development. We support further efforts to improve the commuter experience for the Staten Islanders who rely on the train for their day-to-day lives.”