Governor Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) have announced the opening of a new Railcar Acceptance and Testing Facility, described as the first of its kind. The facility, which was completed on schedule and under budget, is designed to process new subway cars, work locomotives, and other rolling stock more efficiently. It will allow for onsite testing so that new vehicles can enter service more quickly. This development comes as the MTA prepares for a significant increase in new rail cars through its 2025-29 Capital Plan.
“Thanks to funding from congestion pricing and the MTA’s 2025-29 Capital Plan, we are making generational upgrades to our subway fleet,” Governor Hochul said. “Thousands of new, modern cars are set to improve the riding experience for millions of New Yorkers. By streamlining the process needed to get these new cars on the rails and into service, this new facility will ensure that riders feel the benefits of a new and improved subway fleet faster than ever.”
The facility is located near the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Sunset Park. It can receive rolling stock delivered by truck, rail, or boat. After arrival, individual cars are assembled for testing on dedicated tracks within the complex before being integrated into the broader subway network upon passing final inspection. This marks the first time since 1948 that a full-scale subway car facility has been added on a new property by the Authority.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber stated: “Our historic $11 billion investment in rolling stock calls for a top-of-the-line new testing facility. Now we’re ready to start processing the 1,500+ rail cars included in the Capital Plan, no matter how they’re delivered — by land or by water.”
Jamie Torres-Springer, President of MTA Construction and Development, commented: “This facility consolidates work that was once spread amongst different yards and unites it all under one roof. It’s another example of the MTA delivering a critical project on time and under budget to improve subway reliability for decades to come.”
New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said: “As we continue to upgrade our rolling stock with modern cars, the Railcar Acceptance and Testing Facility provides a state-of-the-art space for NYC Transit employees to ensure new cars are safe, reliable, and ready to enter service. With streamlined inspections and a direct connection to transit tracks, NYC Transit has never been more prepared to keep up with the historic 2025-29 Capital Plan and the unprecedented investment it provides in rolling stock.”
The project was finished within three years at $5.5 million below budget using design-build delivery methods that streamlined both design and management processes. Savings were achieved through prefabricated building components and precast concrete track pits.
The American Council of Engineering Companies of New York recognized this achievement by awarding it a silver medal in transportation at its 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards Competition.
The opening coincides with ongoing purchases of hundreds of R211 and R268 subway cars intended to replace older models such as R46s and R68s that have served for decades. The current capital plan includes buying 1,500 new subway cars—the largest such acquisition since systematic capital planning began over thirty years ago—with 750 R211s already delivered.
First introduced into service in March 2023, R211 trains feature security cameras in every car along with wider doors—58 inches compared with previous models—to speed boarding times at stations. Other features include additional accessible seating areas, digital station information displays, brighter lighting systems,and clearer signage aimed at improving passenger experience.
R211 trains currently operate on Staten Island Railway as well as A,B,C,and G lines; plans call for their introduction onto D line services within two years.The recent approval by MTA Board allows purchase of an additional 378 R268 units featuring similar amenities.These will begin serving B division lines starting in 2028.New A Division train replacements are also planned under this capital program.
These upgrades support efforts toward Communications-based Train Control (CBTC), an advanced signaling system used internationally.All newly purchased trains will be equipped with CBTC-compatible technology expected to enhance reliability,reduce delays,and enable more frequent train operations.CBTC modernization projects underway include upgrades funded through congestion relief measures targeting several major lines across Manhattan,Brooklyn,and Queens.Further expansions are planned using funds from future capital programs.
Representative Daniel Goldman remarked: “The new railcar acceptance facility in my district in Sunset Park is exactly the kind of smart transit investment that delivers real results for New Yorkers…I am grateful for the leadership and vision that made this possible,and I look forward to seeing benefits for Brooklynand our entire city.”
State Senator Leroy Comrie said:“Investing in modern,reliable rail service is essential…This new testing facility will help bring upgraded subwaycars online faster…I commend Governor Hochulandthe MTAfor deliveringthisprojecton timeandunderbudget…”
Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes noted:“Today’s opening builds on Sunset Park’s legacyof industrial innovationand maritime commerce.Aswe strive toup holdour commitmenttoimproving public infrastructureandtransportation,Iamproud towelcome thisfirst-of-its-kindfacilitytoour community…”
New York City Council Member Alexa Avilés added,“I am proud towelcome thisnewrailcaracceptancefacilityintoourdistrict.Ourpublictransportationsystemisthebeatingheartofourcity.Investmentsthatimprovetheefficiencyofourtrainswillservemeandmyneighbors…IwanttothankNYCTforthehardworktheyhaveputintoopeningthisfacility…”
