NYC Staten Island Railway Unveils New Fleet
MTA completes deployment of 75 new R211S cars, replacing 52-year-old fleet
Staten Island Railway Completes R211S Rollout
Staten Island Railway riders now have access to an entirely new fleet of train cars. The MTA completed deployment of all 75 R211S cars on September 12, replacing the system's 52-year-old R44 fleet that'd been running since 1973. Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO, said the new cars offer "a more comfortable, reliable, and modern travel experience" for daily commuters.
Five-Decade Fleet Replacement
The R211S deployment marks the first major fleet replacement for Staten Island Railway in over five decades. The MTA Board approved a $1.45 billion contract with Kawasaki Rail Car in January 2018 for the broader R211 program, which includes the Staten Island Railway cars. Frank Annicaro, Senior Vice President of Staten Island Railway, told reporters riders have been "incredibly patient" during the transition. The modernization aligns with the MTA's system-wide capital improvement initiatives to upgrade aging rolling stock across New York City's transit network.
Modern Features and Accessibility
The new cars include digital displays showing real-time service information, USB charging ports at seats, and security cameras throughout each car. Door openings are 8 inches wider than the previous fleet, improving boarding times and accessibility. Demetrius Crichlow, Senior Vice President of the Department of Subways at New York City Transit, said the deployment reflects "the hard work and dedication of our teams." The cars also feature improved announcements and signage for passengers with disabilities, meeting modern accessibility standards.
Phased Implementation Complete
The first R211S cars entered revenue service in August 2024, beginning a phased rollout that concluded this month. The MTA didn't provide specific details about the deployment schedule between August 2024 and September 2025. Officials said the gradual introduction allowed teams to ensure system reliability before completing the full fleet transition.
Enhanced Rider Experience
The complete R211S fleet will serve thousands of daily commuters traveling between St. George Ferry Terminal and Tottenville. Officials said the new cars will provide benefits for decades to come through improved reliability and modern amenities. Riders can check Moovit for real-time service updates and schedule information on Staten Island Railway routes.
