If you live in New York City and you’re thinking that the trains used for the subway could do with a bit of upgrading, you might be pleased to learn that recently Governor Andrew M. Cuomo took the wraps off the design features of the city’s future subway system, which includes reimagined subway cars and enhancements to the stations themselves.
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The MTA also plans to renovate 30 stations across the system with new signs and electric plugs and USB ports in the stations.
A Cuomo spokesman says the state’s commitment has the force of state law. ‘The MTA design team developed a bold and visionary reimagining of the quintessential commuter experience, incorporating best practices from global transit systems, and focusing on our core mission to renew, enhance and expand’.
“That will increase our ability to reduce dwell time, which is an issue that we have on crowded platforms”, she said. Cuomo has committed to spending $8.3 billion in state money on the plan, but only $1 billion has been allocated, so far. Since 2012 they have quadrupled to more than 20,000 each month. Open Car End design also has a similar aim by placing the door between cars with an “accordion-like connector in order to create longer, open spaces, allowing for greater passenger flow movement and increasing capacity in the process”.
Customer Amenities & Security: The interior of new cars will also feature a host of new amenities, including WiFi, USB chargers, full color digital customer information displays, digital advertisements, illuminated door opening alerts and security cameras to promote passenger safety. A revised exterior design is also envisaged, including a blue and gold livery replacing the current bare steel.
Cuomo said the investment in both rolling stock and stations would come from the $27bn MTA Capital Program for 2015-19 agreed by the state government on March 31. The MTA plans on issuing a request for proposals (RFPs) for the construction of its new subway auto fleet later this week. The first contract is expected to be awarded in the fall, and station closures will be limited to a six-month period. A purchase of 750 cars is a vast improvement and should make a noticeable difference on crowded lines, though the MTA has yet to announce where the new cars will be deployed.
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The introduction of new, modern trains will be coupled with a major station upgrade programme. Expect to see improved cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi, countdown clocks, and “new art” throughout stations to brighten up your journey.
