US: MTA Debuts R211 Train on NYCT B Line

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)’s New York City Transit has debuted a standard R211 train on the B line.

The train’s introduction marks the first time a unit of its kind has run within the Bronx, with the trains now operating throughout all five boroughs.

NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow, said:

I’m thrilled that B train riders from the Bronx to Brooklyn will experience safer and more reliable service with this addition.

The R211s are state of the art and feature security cameras and digital displays along with wider doorways that will help speed up boarding times and improve accessibility.

The R211 cars form part of the MTA’s modernisation efforts and have been developed with 58-inch-wide door openings, making them eight inches wider than standard door openings on existing cars. The extra room is expected to both speed up boarding and reduce the amount of wait times at stations.

Each unit is equipped with security cameras, additional accessible seating, digital information displays and brighter lighting, as well as illuminated signage.

In time, the MTA plans to replace all R44s currently in operation on the Staten Island Railway, as well as its current fleet of R46 subway cars in service across the A, C, N, Q, R & W lines with new R211 trains.

The MTA also intends to replace the current fleet of R68 units in operation on the B, D, N & W lines.

Open-gangway cars first started operating along the G line earlier this year.