The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has approved the purchase of 378 new R268 subway cars as part of its ongoing modernization efforts. The new cars will be deployed on the system’s ‘B’ division and are designed to similar specifications as the R211 model. Funding for this initiative comes from the MTA’s $68 billion 2025-2029 Capital Plan, which was fully funded by Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature in the FY26 Enacted Budget.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “I promised New Yorkers that we’d make generational investments in the transit system that is the lifeblood of our region, and we’re delivering by purchasing 378 state-of-the-art cars that will keep our city moving for decades to come. These new subway cars will carry billions of riders over their lifetime, connecting the people and places we hold dear with the safety and reliability New Yorkers need and deserve.”
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber commented, “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 addition of these new subway cars supports continued upgrades to Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling across several lines. CBTC technology enables more frequent and reliable train service while providing more accurate real-time arrival information for passengers. Signal modernization projects are currently underway on multiple lines including A, C, E, F, and G. Funding from congestion pricing will further support upgrades on additional lines in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.
The R268 cars will be manufactured by Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc., with deliveries beginning in Fall 2028 and all units expected by 2030. This schedule allows for retirement of older R68 and R68A models currently serving various routes such as B, D, N, Q, W, and Franklin Av Shuttle. The new fleet will include features like pre-installed security cameras in every car, improved accessibility seating options, brighter lighting, clearer signage, and enhanced reliability compared to older models. The contract for these vehicles is valued at $1.507 billion.
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.”
MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer added: “This is the historic 2025-2029 Capital Plan in action. These cars are a generational investment to deliver a more comfortable and reliable ride for commuters across the city for decades to come.”
Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc President Yusuke Hirose noted: “Governor Hochul and MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber remain steadfast in their commitment to modernizing New York City Transit’s rolling stock. The R268 contract will not only secure employment for hundreds of workers in our Yonkers facility, but also delivers state-of-the-art, high-quality subway cars to NYC riders. With this milestone, we will surpass over 4,000 cars produced for New York City Transit — and we’re excited to continue building for the city’s future.”
