In most major cities throughout the world, the average person’s work day begins and ends with a ride on the train or subway. In New York City, over 5.3 million people ride the subway on each average weekday, with a whopping 1.6 billion people having boarded the subway in 2012. Imagine how the city’s workforce would be affected if the subway cars didn’t work.
If you’ve been on a New York subway recently, you may have noticed that they’ve come a long way. Today’s subway cars all begin with metal stamped parts, making up two different types of cars that are constructed of stainless steel with fiberglass blind end bonnets. “A” cars are powered by four traction motors, and “B” cars by two traction motors—both combining a multitude of parts that rely on each other to run effectively.
Today’s NYC subway cars are part of the R142 model class, manufactured by the leading transportation company, Bombardier (a client of Vogel Tool, which is part of the Manor family of precision component companies). While 5,000 Bombardier rail vehicles transport Americans every day, millions of New Yorkers get to and from work on their subway cars. The company has been manufacturing NYC subway cars since 1982, and today’s 1,030 R142 cars include electronic braking, automatic climate control, advanced on-board intercom systems, and Alstom ONIX AC propulsion.
As a result of decades of success, Bombardier recently announced that they will be providing New York City Transit with 300 new R179 cars between 2014 and 2017. This newest model will incorporate state-of-the-art engineering and technology, including BOMBARDIER MITRAC propulsion equipment with new, energy-efficient inverters, and the MITRAC train control and management system with internet protocol technology. Everything is to be manufactured at Bombardier’s facilities in theU.S.
Beginning with precision metal stamped parts, incorporating advanced design and technology, and ending with millions upon millions of people getting to work in the morning and home to their families at night, this is a perfect example of quality engineering moving everyone ahead.