New York Will Phase Out C Train 'Brightliners' By 2017

Once the subway's pride, R-32 'Brightliner' trains that operate on the C line will soon disappear from service. Mid-century promo videos notwithstanding, the line's rolling stock was in dire need of an update.

1 minute read

March 31, 2015, 6:00 AM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


nyc. subway.

rafaj / Flickr

Travelers on New York's C line recently have faced long waits, jarring rides, and general wear and tear. While the route's ridership is generally lower than other lines, there has been an upswing and commuters are unhappy. From the article: "Despite its shortcomings, ridership on the C — like the rest of the system — is on the rise. According to MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz, 2014 growth along C train stations in Brooklyn is on par with system-wide growth: 2.7 percent versus 2.4 percent for all subway lines."

Kate Hinds discusses the Metropolitan Transit Authority's long struggle to upgrade the trains. "Finally in 2012, the MTA cobbled together the money and put in an order for replacements. But last year Bombardier, the cars' manufacturer, reported that there were welding problems with the prototype car. Now it looks like the new trains — model number R-179 — will come in in 2017."

The article includes a link to a 1964 promotional video for the subway and its then-new Brightliner cars. Catchy tune.

Monday, March 23, 2015 in WNYC: Transportation Nation

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

Cobblestone street with streetcar line, row of vintage streetlights on left, and colorful restaurant and shop awnings on right on River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah: A City of Planning Contrasts

From a human-scales, plaza-anchored grid to suburban sprawl, the oldest planned city in the United States has seen wildly different development patterns.

March 12, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial View of Chuckanut Drive and the Blanchard Bridge in the Skagit Valley.

Washington Tribes Receive Resilience Funding

The 28 grants support projects including relocation efforts as coastal communities face the growing impacts of climate change.

7 hours ago - The Seattle Times

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18 - Beverly Press

View from above of swan-shaped paddleboats with lights on around artesian fountain in Echo Park Lake with downtown Los Angeles skylien in background at twilight.

LA's Top Parks, Ranked

TimeOut just released its list of the top 26 parks in the L.A. area, which is home to some of the best green spaces around.

March 18 - TimeOut

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.