The agency is looking for manufacturers so it can purchase enough cars to replace the fleets for the 1, 3 and 6 lines.
There would also be an option to replace the 2, 4 and 5 lines.
That's nearly 2,400 cars which is more than Boston and Chicago's transportation systems combined.
"This new subway car order is the visible proof, the most visible proof, that we are delivering the modern transit system that New Yorkers are hoping, and expecting and deserving," said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber.
The hope is the new cars will be more reliable and efficient. The MTA is also looking at features like open gangway cars and onboard cameras.
"Thousands of new subway cars running better service and a more reliable ride for millions every day - that's what we can achieve when we fully invest in transit," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "We are in the midst of a public transit renaissance in New York, with growing ridership, the best service in a generation and historic investments to modernize the lifeblood of our city. By bringing even more open gangway cars to the subway, we can make real improvements to riders' safety and overall experience."
The new cars, model R262, will be funded by the MTA's 2025-29 Capital Plan, which received a historic $68 billion in funding from Hochul and the State Legislature in the FY26 Enacted State Budget.
Proposals are due in September and a contract is expected to be rewarded by early 2028.
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