Passing The Torch. Symbolically and literally passing near the 104 Street, South Ozone Park, Queens, New York on the A Line on March 29, 2023, cars like MTA NYCT Subway/Kawasaki R211A 4065 will be replacing the R-46 class (Pullman-Standard, 1975-78) in the near future. The R211A set was operating during a 30 day test period required prior to acceptance. After previously receiving smaller orders of cars to meet immediate needs, the MTA has for many years instead placed larger orders to replace the fleet in planned stages with extensive testing. If all options are exercise on this order, a total of 1,612 New Technology Train R211A (standard), R211T (open gangway configuration), and R211S (Staten Island) will be manufactured and delivered. The R-211class has returned the large “bullet” letter identifying the route to the front of the train (not seen since R-68/68A) and destination sign (not seen since pre-GOH R-38).
