As 2015 comes to a close, it is now time to begin the official discussion on the R211. The reason this thread was not merged with previous R211 discussions, is because everything you thought you knew about this program, just isn't so anymore. As I said back in 2010 and 2011, I would pin a thread for this train ONLY when the MTA officially begins the program. Along with the information I received from the MTA, Shane (CaitSith) provided me with the final piece with the actual black and white. Funding has now been confirmed ladies and gentleman. That means the program is officially a go in 2016.
For starters, all this new information indicates that Staten Island will get them first! This procurement is expected to commence in the not too distant future after the R179's have arrived. And to a further extent, the ONLY funding that I have been informed of is for Staten Island. So it looks as if B-Division will not get any of the cars other than a pilot until the entire SIR order arrives.
These cars will be the latest technology and will build upon all the lessons learned throughout the R143, R160, and R179 programs. At this time I do not know exactly what this technology will be and that is why MTA is investing in the R&D of the train throughout 2016.
In preparation for the new cars, and in light of the R179 debacle, MTA has decided to invest significantly into new SIR cars first. From the open-gangway prototype, to the new R211, we can see that the next wave of the most technologically advanced trains we have seen to date will all in fact start off in Staten Island.
Now remember anything beyond funding in 2016 is subject to R179 progress because MTA wants to build on the technology of that train. Also remember that with the MTA, and the fact that we only have 2 qualified train manufactures anything is subject to change. Including the R211 designation.
