MTA launches RFP for procurement of 2,390 Metro Cars to modernize New York Metro

New York, United States (Metro Rail Today): The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the procurement of up to 2,390 R262 series metro cars, marking one of the largest fleet modernization initiatives for the New York City subway system. The firm portion of the procurement will include 1,140 cars, with the contract expected to be awarded by early 2028.

According to the MTA, the acquisition could renew up to 34.6 percent of the agency’s entire 6,574-car subway fleet, significantly improving reliability, passenger comfort and operational efficiency across one of the world’s largest urban transit networks.

Replacing Aging Subway Trains

The new R262 series trains are primarily intended to replace the R62 and R62A fleets, which were built more than four decades ago by Kawasaki Rail and Bombardier Transportation. These trains have been operating on the network since the mid-1980s and are approaching the end of their operational lifecycle.

If the optional portion of the procurement is exercised, the project will also replace R142 and R142A trains, which were manufactured by the same companies in the early 2000s.

The new generation trains will incorporate a range of advanced features aimed at enhancing passenger experience and operational reliability. Some trainsets will include inter-car gangways, allowing passengers to move freely between cars and enabling more efficient use of train capacity.

Commenting on the significance of fleet modernization initiatives in large metro systems, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said, “Major metro networks around the world are increasingly investing in next-generation rolling stock equipped with advanced passenger amenities and digital monitoring systems. Such upgrades not only improve commuter experience but also enhance operational reliability and safety in high-capacity urban transit systems.”

Advanced Technology and Higher Reliability

The R262 trains will be equipped with several modern technologies including passenger counting systems, advanced electric braking controls, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) for enhanced safety and operational monitoring.

The new fleet is also expected to deliver significantly improved reliability performance. The mean distance between failures (MDBF) for the R262 series is targeted at at least 320,000 kilometres, more than double the 142,000 kilometres achieved by the R62 and R62A fleets.

These improvements are expected to reduce maintenance downtime while improving service availability on the heavily used New York subway network.

Funding and Long-Term Capital Plan

The procurement will be partly financed through the MTA’s 2025–2030 Capital Plan, which outlines major investments in system modernization, infrastructure upgrades and fleet renewal across the New York metropolitan transit network.

Additional funding for the project will also come from New York’s congestion pricing programme, which has been introduced to reduce traffic in central Manhattan while generating revenue for public transportation improvements.

The scale of the upcoming procurement is expected to rival the MTA’s previous large rolling stock order. The agency’s earlier purchase of 1,495 subway cars was valued at approximately $7.6 billion, highlighting the substantial investment required for large-scale fleet renewal.

Ongoing Fleet Modernization

New York’s subway system is already undergoing a major fleet refresh with the introduction of the R211 series trains, produced by Kawasaki Rail. The R211A, R211S and R211T variants, including models with open gangway connections, have been progressively entering service since 2023.

Production of these trains is taking place at Kawasaki’s manufacturing facilities in Lincoln, Nebraska and Yonkers, New York. Under the original 2018 contract and subsequent exercised options, the MTA ordered 1,610 cars, of which 750 units have already been delivered.

Preparing the Next Generation of Subway Trains

With the launch of the R262 tender, the MTA is taking a major step toward ensuring the long-term reliability and modernization of the New York subway system, which carries millions of passengers daily.

The procurement will not only replace aging trains but also introduce next-generation technologies and improved passenger amenities, helping maintain the subway’s role as the backbone of mobility in one of the world’s largest cities.