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.
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.
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