Unveiling the R211T, the city’s latest subway car
Underneath the busy streets of New York City a new train arrives on the scene. Beaming with state-of-the-art electronics and an accordion-like design, the R211T rolls into the station traveling along the local C-Line.
The R211T is a variation of the R211 trains. Unlike its familial counterparts, the R211T train features an open gangway allowing passengers to travel the length of the train much like the older BMT D-Type “triplex” which took to the tracks nearly 100 years ago.
Andrew Sparberg, a Mass Transit Historian, says the D-Type and R211T are similar in that they are both advanced trains for their time containing amenities reflective of the era they were built in.
“Every new car has some type of new technological advance that is user-friendly for the customer and user-friendly for the employees,” Andrew said.
Small user-friendly changes like doorway lights, updating maps and audible speakers make it so that even first-time users of the subway will have an easy time getting around.
Electronic screens above the doorway provide information on the trains current route as well as nearest station exit relative to what train car you are currently in.
The R211Ts unique design feature is also the reason for its limited rollout. Due to space limitations of the express tracks, train conductors normally inspect the tracks from between the trains. The open gangway prevents access to the area meaning the only viable space to safely inspect the R211T is the local track.
The D-Type, much like its newer counterpart, was an advanced train for its time featuring illuminated signs, an open gangway, and a steel body.
Unlike the D-Type, the R211T gangway is much more spacious, comfortably fitting two people with room for more especially during rush hour. According to New York Transit Museum Curator Jodi Schapiro the D-Type’s gangway never meant to have people inside.
Schapiro said “They were intended to be a pass-through. And if you stand in one here, you can see that there’s not really that much room to stand”
If you are hoping to catch a glimpse of the R211T plan to visit during the weekdays as the train does not run on the weekend schedule.
Edward is from Fresno, California. He covers transportation for City Newsroom.
