MTA Approves $1.5 Billion Subway Car Purchase
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) recently approved a significant $1.5 billion contract to acquire hundreds of new subway cars.
The MTA board has decided to award Kawasaki a contract for the construction of 378 advanced R268 trains, intended to replace outdated models from the 1980s that have caused numerous delays and breakdowns.
“We had to make this decision to ensure our riders don’t face more issues,” Lieber noted. “This is all about protecting them.”
Funding for this initiative will be sourced from the MTA’s $68.4 billion capital plan for 2024-2029, which is financed through state taxes, federal support, and bonds.
As part of the overarching plan, the MTA aims to acquire 1,500 new subway cars over the next five years at an estimated total cost of $7.6 billion.
Lieber mentioned that the new trains will align with modern signal systems the MTA is rolling out at select stations.
“If we delay, it could complicate everything,” Lieber said regarding the urgent need for modern signaling.
In June, the MTA already approved a $2.4 billion deal with the French company Alstom for M-9A vehicles designated for Long Island Railroad and Metro-North Railroad.
Last year, a $1.27 billion agreement was made for 355 new R211 subway cars, which also includes 80 additional cars featuring European-style “open gangway” designs.
The vehicles from the latest deal will service “B Division” routes, covering lines such as A, B, C, D, F, G, J, L, M, N, Q, R, and W.
Securing the necessary funding for this plan has been challenging. Initially, the state’s Capital Plan Review Board rejected the MTA’s proposal, noting that only about half of the required funding was identified. However, after the MTA resubmitted its proposal this spring, state leaders, including Governor Kathy Hochul, termed the $68.4 billion plan as “fully funded” in the budget. Still, budget analysts express caution, considering much of the funding hinges on anticipated federal aid and future state income.
