The New York MTA has approved ordering 435 new Kawasaki subway cars. This move aims to modernize the system and improve the transit experience for millions of daily riders. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

New York MTA
Photo: MTA/Marc A. Hermann

Open-Gangway Designs Transform the New York MTA Fleet

The latest order includes 80 Kawasaki subway cars with open-gangway designs for greater passenger convenience. These cars allow easy movement between cars with flexible accordion-style connections.

Transit advocates have supported the open-gangway design, believing it enhances safety by reducing risks associated with subway surfing. Two new trainsets will operate on the G line starting in early 2025.

Retiring Aging Cars in the New York MTA System

This purchase enables the replacement of older subway cars, including R44 and R46 models. Some of these cars date back to the 1970s, requiring frequent repairs and causing service delays.

MTA CEO Janno Lieber highlighted the efficiency of the new Kawasaki cars, which are less prone to breakdowns. These updates align with the MTA’s long-term strategy to modernize its transit infrastructure.

The $1.3 billion contract for these new subway cars benefits from favorable pre-pandemic pricing. Each car costs approximately $2.9 million, avoiding recent supply chain-driven cost increases.

By introducing these advanced Kawasaki subway cars, the New York MTA takes a significant step toward creating a safer and more reliable transit system for New Yorkers.

Source: www.trains.com

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