New York’s MTA Orders 378 New R268 Subway Cars

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will purchase 378 new R268 subway cars as part of its fleet modernisation programme.

The order, approved by the MTA Board, is funded through the 68 billion USD 2025–2029 Capital Plan, which was fully financed in the State’s FY26 budget.

The new cars, to be built by Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc., will operate on the subway system’s B Division. They will share key design features with the R211 model, currently entering service across several lines. Delivery is expected to begin in late 2028, with all units in service by 2030.

The R268 fleet will replace the ageing R68 and R68A cars, which currently run on the B, D, N, Q and W lines and are nearing the end of their operational life. Each new car will include pre-installed security cameras, improved accessibility, clearer signage and lighting upgrades.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said:

This purchase allows us to replace cars at the end of their useful life before they start breaking down. And by building on the successful procurement of R211 train cars, we were able to save money on nearly 400 modern subway cars.

The R268 introduction will also support the wider rollout of Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC), a signalling system designed to improve reliability and capacity. CBTC enables more accurate train tracking, allowing more frequent services and better real-time information for passengers.

Signal upgrades are already in progress on several lines, with congestion pricing revenue expected to fund work on the Fulton Street and Liberty Avenue corridors in Brooklyn and Queens, as well as the Sixth Avenue Line in Manhattan. The 2025–2029 Capital Plan also includes signal improvements for additional routes, including sections of the J, Z, M and R lines.

NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said:

These new train cars will make a world of difference for transit riders by forwarding our efforts to provide safe and reliable service while improving the customer experience. And with the addition of CBTC to more parts of the system, we can run faster and more frequent service for riders.