R-32 58 Years of Service Pin

Get a piece of history!

The R-32 subway car is one of 600 that the Transit Authority purchased in 1964 as part of its continuing program to provide better service to the public. Known as the Brightliners, these cars were among 4,000 new cars added to the Authority’s fleet from 1953 to 1964 at a cost of $450 million ($4,661,612,359.55 in 2021 dollars.)

Each car cost $114,700 ($1,036,756.81 in 2021 dollars) and included state-of-the-art features for the comfort of passengers. These sturdy stainless steel cars were rebuilt in the 1980s as part of the General Overhaul Program. When the R-160 cars were introduced in 2006, they supplanted most of the R-32s. The remaining cars received a maintenance makeover in 2012.

Much like the Redbirds that ran on IRT services, R-32s served on many different lines – so if you rode the subway between 1964 and 2020, you probably spent some time on an R-32. After 58 years of service (the second-longest service life in New York City subway history), it’s time to bid farewell to the beloved Brightliners.

Pin is 1 inch square with metal pin back.

Each sold separately.