Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has approved the purchase of 378 new R268 metro cars, marking a major step in the ongoing modernisation of New York City’s transit system.
The order, valued at USD 1.507 billion, will see the new cars built by Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc., with deliveries beginning in autumn 2028 and completed by 2030. The R268 cars will replace ageing R68 and R68A models, completing the transition of the system’s ‘B’ division fleet to modern-technology trains compatible with Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC).
The procurement forms part of the MTA’s USD 68 billion 2025–2029 Capital Plan, fully funded by the State Legislature and Governor Hochul. The plan represents the largest investment in the network’s history, aimed at improving reliability, capacity and passenger experience across the subway system.
“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,” Governor Hochul said. “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 added: “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 cars will play a key role in supporting the MTA’s continued rollout of CBTC signalling, which allows more trains to run safely and efficiently on the same tracks. The technology provides precise train location data, enabling increased service frequency and more accurate real-time passenger information.
Signal modernisation projects are currently under way on several lines, with congestion pricing revenue funding upgrades on the Fulton Street and Liberty Avenue Lines in Brooklyn and Queens, as well as the Sixth Avenue Line in Manhattan. The 2025–2029 Capital Plan will also finance future CBTC installations on multiple additional routes, including the Williamsburg Bridge to Broad Street corridor and lines serving Astoria and mid-Manhattan.
The new R268 cars, designed to similar specifications as the R211, will feature a range of passenger-focused improvements. These include onboard security cameras, accessible seating, brighter lighting, and clearer digital signage, enhancing both safety and comfort for daily commuters.
Compared with the 1980s-era trains they replace, the new cars will offer higher reliability, better performance, and lower maintenance needs, ensuring a smoother travel experience for millions of New Yorkers.
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.”
Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc., which has produced more than 4,000 subway cars for New York City Transit, will manufacture the new fleet at its Yonkers facility, supporting hundreds of skilled jobs across the state.
Kawasaki Rail Car President Yusuke Hirose said: “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.”
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.”
MTA to purchase 378 new R268 metro cars
Spain advances Logroño–Miranda de Ebro rail project
Alstom hiring 120 staff at Plattsburgh rail plant
Bulgaria selects main train depots for new fleet
New report finds women more train-friendly than men
First section of Palermo–Catania high-capacity railway inaugurated
Contracts awarded for second section of Madrid–Extremadura HSL
Cargounit expands maintenance partnership with Siemens
Digital signalling installation begins at Aarhus Station
MRT Jakarta orders 8 Japanese metro trains 
PJM is Evolving Digital Rail Freight and its Company
Three common pitfalls in rail modernization – and how to avoid them
Vectron combines the best of both worlds
Driving rail innovation: Nexrail and the push toward zero emissions
Copyright @RailwayPRO Communication Platform. All rights reserved
Related Article
