NYCT Contract for Next-Generation Rolling Stock

The R143 that forms the model for the R160

 Kawasaki, in cooperation with Alstom Transportation Inc., has been awarded a formal order from MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) to supply R160 stainless steel rolling stock for the city’s subway system. Kawasaki’s portion of the contract, worth some US$400 million, covers production of 260 of the total 660 cars. The contract includes options for further orders, which, if exercised, would bring total business with NYCT to about US$2.4 billion, for 1,700 subway cars, and Kawasaki would manufacture 40% (680 cars) of the 1,700 cars.

 Kawasaki and Alstom organized a joint venture for project management, engineering and equipment purchasing to pursue the contract. The two companies will build and deliver the rolling stock through the joint venture.

 Kawasaki is not only manufacturing 260 cars for the base contract, but also will be the engineering leader for the whole project. For the rolling stock in both the base and option contracts, including stock built by Alstom, Kawasaki bogies will be used.

 The R160 subway cars will be equipped with the latest control system, HVAC* and public address system to guarantee the utmost safety and passenger comfort. The carbodies will be manufactured at the railcar plant in Lincoln, Nebraska. Bogie manufacturing, final assembly and tests will be conducted at the plant in Yonkers, New York. The prototype cars are scheduled for delivery in July 2005, and production cars for the base contract, from 2006 to 2008.

 *HVAC = Heating, ventilation and air conditioning/cooling