It’s about time the A trains got an upgrade. Subway cars are known for being dirty, old and having an unpleasant look. New York City Transit has proposed to change that, and says that the new R211 trains are part of a more than $6 billion investment and will include 535 cars. These train cars will replace one of the oldest train models, the R46s from the 1970s, which still run on the A and C lines.

New York City Transit President, Richard Davey, said, “These new subway cars feature security cameras and digital displays along with wider doorways that will help speed up boarding times.” The trains are expected to speed up the A line service and have a more modern look.

The train seats are a new mustard yellow color with a hint of dark blue that jumps out at users. The yellow ones are designated for handicapped individuals. These new seats can be flipped up to create more standing space.

Each subway car is an open gangway, meaning they are connected with no internal doors. This new feature makes it easier for passengers to walk through cars during their train ride.

This renovation is making users feel out of the ordinary. Tenth grade global history teacher, Ms. Banks, said, “I dont think it’s necessary. I don’t like that there’s not as many seats and I don’t like that the train is intended to be hostile to our houseless neighbors.”

She calls the new design to be a “hostile infrastructure” to the homeless. The seats can be purposefully designed to be smaller and flexible, unaccommodating the unhoused people sheltering on the train.

Jamie Balbuena, sophomore, states that, “the new design looks cool. That’s a plus about it. It’s good for people in wheelchairs and disabled people. ” Looking at the brightside, Jamie believes “the open space is very practical.”

The A train is the longest subway line in NYC, rolling from 207th Street in Inwood to Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway, Queens. As of March 10, the new R211s have been successfully running. You can now catch a ride on the new trains on the A line!