MTA subway car procurement is now underway. The request for proposals covers 2,390 new cars. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the move. Also, the MTA said this would be the biggest single order in the authority’s history.

MTA subway car procurement starts with RFP for R262 cars
Photo: MTA

MTA subway car procurement and fleet replacement

In addition, the initial tranche covers 1,140 cars. They would replace the R62 and R62A fleets. Those fleets now run on the 1, 3 and 6 lines. At the same time, the contract includes an option for a further 1,250 cars. They would replace the R142 and R142A fleets. Those fleets now run on the 2, 4 and 5 lines. Still, that option would apply if the MTA decides to proceed with the additional purchase.

Governor Hochul said:

“Thousands of new subway cars running better service and a more reliable ride for millions every day — that’s what we can achieve when we fully invest in transit. We are in the midst of a public transit renaissance in New York, with growing ridership, the best service in a generation and historic investments to modernise the lifeblood of our city. By bringing even more open gangway cars to the subway, we can make real improvements to riders’ safety and overall experience.”

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Funding and technical requirements for R262 cars

Meanwhile, funding for the new R262 cars will come from the MTA’s 2025–2029 Capital Plan. That plan secured 68 billion USD in state support through the FY26 Enacted State Budget. In addition, the programme draws on money from the 2020–2024 Capital Plan. That plan is partly backed by congestion pricing revenue.

The authority says the new trains are being acquired to deliver more dependable service. For example, the mean distance between failure (MDBF) target is 200,000 miles. The current average for the R62 and R62A fleets is 89,000 miles.

Also, the request for proposals sets out technical requirements for:

  • passenger announcements
  • assistive listening devices
  • automatic passenger counting
  • electric braking control
  • onboard and platform cameras
  • electronic cab locks

Separately, it states that open gangway cars for the A-Division lines will be evaluated.

Rolling Stock Program and contract timeline

Separately, manufacturers have until 8 September 2026 to submit proposals. This is set out in the solicitation notice. The MTA expects to award the contract in early 2028.

Also, the tender comes after the launch of the MTA’s Rolling Stock Program. That unit is responsible for supervising vehicle acquisitions. It also manages lifetime costs across buses, subway cars and commuter rail trains. In addition, the programme oversees the 12 billion USD earmarked for fleet replacement. That allocation sits in the 2025–2029 Capital Plan.

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