The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board approved a $1.507 billion contract to purchase 378 new R268 subway cars for New York City Transit. The investment is part of the MTA’s $68 billion 2025–2029 Capital Plan, fully funded in the FY 2026 Enacted Budget.
The R268 cars will operate on the ‘B’ Division and share design features with the existing R211 fleet. Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. will manufacture and deliver the vehicles beginning in fall 2028, with final delivery by 2030. The new fleet will replace aging R68 and R68A cars that entered service in the 1980s.
Each car will include pre-installed security cameras, brighter lighting, accessible seating, and modern digital signage. The upgrade will enhance safety, improve service reliability, and provide a more efficient passenger experience.
The R268 fleet will also support expansion of Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) systems across the network. Ongoing signal modernization projects on the A, C, E, F, and G lines will be followed by upgrades on the J, Z, N, Q, R, and W lines through Capital Plan funding and congestion pricing revenue.
By 2030, the MTA plans to operate an entirely modern-technology ‘B’ Division fleet, enabling more frequent and reliable service through CBTC compatibility.