The New York MTA’s board approved the purchase of 378 new R268 subway cars as part of the Authority’s efforts to modernize its rail fleet. 

The new R268 subway cars will run on the system’s B division and will be designed to similar specs as the R211. The vehicles will be funded by the MTA’s historic $68 billion 2025-2029 Capital Plan, which Governor Hochul and the State Legislature fully supported in the FY26 Enacted Budget. 

“This purchase allows us to replace cars at the end of their useful life before they start breaking down,” said Janno Lieber, MTA chair and CEO. “And by building on the successful procurement of R211 train cars, we were able to save money on nearly 400 modern subway cars.” 

Supporting New CBTC Systems

The new cars will also support the ongoing conversion of lines to modern Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling. These signal enhancements will enable the MTA to operate more trains more frequently and reliably, resulting in improved service and fewer crowded stations and trains. 

Additionally, CBTC will allow for more accurate real-time train arrival information. 

Signal modernization projects are currently underway on several lines, with funding from congestion pricing set to support the modernization of signals on several additional lines in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. 

MTA’s New R268 Subway Cars

The R268 cars will be delivered by Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. starting in the Fall of 2028. 

All cars will be delivered by 2030, allowing the MTA to retire the last of its R68 and R68A cars and transition the B division to an all modern-technology fleet, with all vehicles capable of delivering CBTC service. 

The R268 cars are needed to replace New York City Transit’s aging R68 and R68A cars that are nearing the end of their service life. 

The new cars will feature modern passenger amenities, including pre-installed security cameras in every vehicle, more accessible seating, brighter lights, and clearer signage. 

Additionally, these cars will offer significant improvements in reliability and performance compared to the aging vehicles they are replacing. The contract cost is $1.507 billion. 

“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," said NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. "And with the addition of CBTC to more parts of the system, we can run faster and more frequent service for riders.”