The MTA is rolling out its flashy new “open gangway” subway cars onto slow-moving tracks.
The new cars are equipped with accordion-shaped connectors that allow passengers to walk the length of the train instead of through interior doors. The train was originally intended to serve the A and C lines, but an internal MTA memo dated Jan. 19 said passengers were traveling on the A line express tracks in two major sections of Brooklyn and Manhattan. It is prohibited to ride.
MTA officials declined to provide further information. However, after publication, Gothamist obtained a second memo, also dated Jan. 19, which explained: The gangway train design allows train operators to safely perform the necessary inspections after emergency braking. It has become “impossible” to do so.
MTA rules require train operators to inspect both sides of the tracks when emergency brakes are activated. If the operator cannot safely walk on both sides of the track, such as on some express tracks, he must step down between each car and look at the track.
This type of inspection can easily be done on well-known subway cars, which have doors at both ends. However, train drivers cannot exit between cars on the new open gangway trains, creating a conflict with MTA safety regulations.
The directive is the latest example of problems with the introduction of the MTA’s new class of subway trains, known as R211. In 2018, the MTA ordered 20 open gangway cars (equivalent to two 10-car trains) as part of a $1.44 billion order for 535 new subway cars for the A and C lines.
In 2020, then-New York City Transit Executive Frank Jedzicki said the new cars “represent the future of the New York City Subway and will become the new standard for all new New York City Transit subway cars going forward.” Ta.
The accordion-shaped open trains are used on other subways, including the London Underground and the Paris Underground, but MTA officials said they wanted to test the concept on a few trains before ordering more.
An internal memo states that if a train must travel on the A Line express tracks between Euclid Avenue and the Hoyt-Schermerhorn stop, or between the 59th Street/Columbus Circle stop and the 125th Street stop, subway crews ordered all passengers to disembark.
The MTA grounded nearly all R211 service in October after a mechanical problem caused the wheels to seize, drag and flatten.
MTA spokesman Tim Minton said six of the trains have been repaired and returned to the tracks, but two remain out of service.
Mr Minton said there was “no operational link” between open gangway trains and problems with other R211 vehicles. He said there are no systemic issues with the vehicles Kawasaki Heavy Industries manufactures in Nebraska, and new vehicles are still being delivered.