Remembering the R32s

In service from 1964 to 2022, the R32 trains had an exceptionally long run on New York City subway lines. The R32s were the first mass-produced stainless-steel cars built for the subway—making them lighter and more efficient. Other modernized features included fluorescent lighting, updated temperature controls, smoother braking, and colorful interior seating.  

Dubbed the Brightliners due to their shiny exteriors, the R32s are a beloved part of the city’s history and have been memorialized in popular culture, appearing in many movies like the famous chase scene in the French Connection. Marking the R-32s 60th anniversary, join transit historian Andrew Sparberg on a deep dive of their life and legacy.