R188 (New York City Subway car)

The R188 is a New York City Subway car built by Bombardier Transportation. It is a part of the New Technology Train (NTT) family and operates on the 7 service. The R188 fleet consists of two distinct types: new production cars and rebuilt R142A cars modified to run with communications-based train control (CBTC).

The new production R188 cars were built to supplement the existing R142A fleet and allow for increased service frequency on the 7 line following the extension to 34th Street–Hudson Yards. These cars feature a design largely similar to the R142A, but with updated electrical and mechanical systems to accommodate CBTC.

The rebuilt R142A cars were retrofitted with CBTC equipment. This involved significant modifications to their onboard computer systems and the addition of new antennas and sensors. These rebuilt cars are visually identifiable by certain modifications to their exterior, although they largely maintain the appearance of the original R142A cars.

The R188 cars, both new and rebuilt, are essential for operating the 7 line with CBTC, allowing for more efficient train operation and closer headways. They represent a significant investment in modernizing the New York City Subway system and improving service reliability.