MTA subway car replacement enters R262 bid phase

MTA subway car replacement plans would replace up to a third of the fleet. On Thursday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said the fleet has roughly 6,500 cars. Many have been in service since the 1980s.

MTA subway car replacement and the first R262 order

Officials said bids are being sought for 1,140 cars on lines 1, 3 and 6. That step was previously covered by Railway Supply. In addition, the order offers up to 1,250 cars on lines 2, 4 and 5.

Jessie Lazarus, the authority’s chief of rolling stock, said so. It would be the agency’s largest subway car purchase. Meanwhile, the first R262 trains are expected to enter service in the early 2030s.

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R262 features and the aging R62 fleet

The R262 cars are expected to include improved audio systems and updated braking technology. Also, they may use “open gangway” designs that allow passengers to move between cars.

At the same time, the order targets R62 cars built in the 1980s. Those cars are nearing or exceeding their expected 40-year lifespan. Still, officials said the older trains are a frequent source of delays.

The agency has committed billions of dollars toward new subway and commuter rail cars. According to the governor’s office, that funding sits within a broader capital plan. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul approved that plan. Separately, manufacturers’ proposals are due later this year. For example, the timetable is listed on the MTA procurement page. The contract is expected by early 2028.

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