New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the MTA Board approved the purchase of 378 new R268 subway cars as part of the Authority’s efforts to modernize its rail fleet. These new R268 subway cars will run on the system’s ‘B’ division and will be designed to similar specs as the R211. The cars will be funded by the MTA’s historic $68 billion 2025-2029 Capital Plan, which was fully funded by Governor Hochul and the State Legislature in the FY26 Enacted Budget.

The new cars will also support the ongoing conversion of lines to modern Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling. These signal enhancements will allow the MTA to run more trains more frequently and more reliably, resulting in improved service and less crowded stations and trains. Additionally, CBTC will allow for more accurate real-time train arrival information.

The R268 cars will be delivered by Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc. beginning in Fall 2028. All cars will be delivered by 2030, allowing the MTA to retire the last of its R68 and R68A cars and transition the ‘B’ division to an all modern-technology fleet, with all cars capable of delivering CBTC service. The R268 cars are needed to replace New York City Transit’s aging R68 and R68A cars that currently service the  B,D,Q,N,W,   and  S and are nearing the end of their service life. The new cars will feature modern passenger amenities including pre-installed security cameras in every car, more accessible seating, brighter lights and clearer signage. In addition, these cars will provide dramatic upgrades in reliability and performance compared to the aging cars they are replacing. The cost of the contract is $1.507 billion.

-via Press Release