The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has introduced its new R211S subway cars for use on the Staten Island Railway. The cars are part of a 535-car order that includes 440 75-car Staten Island Railway R211A standard cars and 20 open-gangway cars.

The MTA’s R211S cars feature 58-inch-wide door openings, which are 20 inches wider than the standard door openings on existing cars. The new doors will help speed up boarding and reduce the time trains spend in stations. MTA notes that the new cars are also six times more reliable than cars in the current fleet – they can travel an average of 240,000 miles between replacement and major repairs.

“Staten Island Railway customers can now enjoy a faster, cleaner and safer commute with the new R211S,” said Demetrius Crichlow, interim president of New York City Transit. “These new cars are state-of-the-art and feature the latest safety and digital communications technology to ensure customers have the most comfortable and comfortable journey possible.”

These models include, but are not limited to, security cameras, additional accessible seating, digital route displays that provide more detailed station-specific information, and brighter lighting and signage that improve the customer experience.

MTA notes that the Staten Island Railway’s current class of cars are R44s, which came to the Staten Island Railway in 1973 after first being used on the subway the previous year.

In October 2022, the MTA Board of Directors approved the order of 640 additional standard R211 subway cars, bringing the total number of new subway cars to 1,080 over the next two years.

“These new rail cars for Staten Island were long overdue,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. “Staten Island has long lagged behind the rest of the city in rail service, and replacing 50-year-old cars with brand new ones is a welcome development. We support continued efforts to improve the commuter experience for Staten Islanders who rely on the train for everyday life.”