The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board has approved the purchase of 378 new R268 subway cars as part of ongoing efforts to update New York City’s rail fleet. The order is funded by the MTA’s $68 billion 2025-2029 Capital Plan, which was secured through the FY26 Enacted Budget with support from Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature.
Governor Hochul commented on the investment: “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. 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.”
According to MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber, replacing aging train cars before they reach critical failure helps prevent breakdowns and service disruptions. He stated, “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 new R268 models are designed with features similar to those found in current R211 trains. They will be deployed on lines within the ‘B’ division and are expected to enhance passenger experience through amenities such as pre-installed security cameras, more accessible seating options, brighter lighting, and clearer signage. The contract for these vehicles is valued at $1.507 billion.
These upgrades coincide with broader signal modernization projects across several subway lines, including work underway on the A, C, E, F, and G routes. With funding from congestion pricing initiatives as well as allocations in the capital plan, additional improvements are planned for lines serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Astoria.
A key element of this modernization is transitioning more lines to Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling technology. This upgrade will allow for more frequent and reliable service while also providing accurate real-time train arrival information.
Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc., based in Yonkers, will manufacture and deliver all 378 new subway cars starting in Fall 2028; deliveries are scheduled for completion by 2030. Once operational, these trains will enable retirement of older R68 and R68A models currently running on B, D, N, Q, W lines as well as Franklin Av Shuttle services.
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.”
Jamie Torres-Springer, President of MTA Construction and Development 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.”
Yusuke Hirose, President of Kawasaki Rail Car Inc., noted: “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.”
