March 13, 2023
New subway cars are now arriving on the A line. The model R211 maiden voyage was only a few days ago but by this afternoon it already looked like the thrill was gone for passengers heading uptown.
A few things stand out on these new rigs. If you fancied those short benches for two people located at both ends of the old model for instance, you’re out of luck because they’re gone. The new train design features more room for standing passengers instead.
Also, the frames where you used to find the subway map or a hard copy ad are now electronic mini billboards, currently featuring OMNY ads. There’s a bright neon green lighting accent by the doors, an overhead marquee with next stop and time, an electronic station countdown graphic above the windows, and cameras up above.
Everything’s brand new and shiny clean, even the floors look pretty good. Obviously this will look a lot different a few thousand passenger miles down the road, but it’s nice to see that a more enjoyable ambiance is at least possible.
Just looking at the three years old social distance stickers worn down and peeling away on platforms hints at how long this might last.
Unfortunately, it probably won’t take years before these new cameras record a crime or are blinded by vandals.
Some things haven’t changed, of course. The fare is still $2.75 (for now) and it still takes an hour to get downtown from Inwood.