They were designed to test features that would be implemented on future mass-production New Tech Train orders.

They continued to run until the spring of 1998, when they were pulled out of service due to brake problems and fire damage.

Massimo Vignelli was hired to design the car interior with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Arts for Transit program.

Unnecessary edges were removed from stanchions, poles, and bars to create a smoother and cleaner appearance.

The R110As came with computerized cabs containing a control stand consisting of a single lever for traction and braking control, a reversing key, a small numeric and symbol keypad, and an LCD flat panel display.

[6] It was proposed by the New York City Transit Authority to include an articulated train under the R110A contract, but because of the impact it would have had on the project's budget and schedule, it was rejected.

[9][10] During the 1970s and 1980s, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) had made several large orders for subway cars, such as the R46, which had new components added to them.

[13][6][14][11][15] The R110A tested new technology, including AC propulsion with regeneration, microprocessor-controlled doors and brakes, roof-mounted hermetic air-conditioning units, and fabricated trucks with air bags suspension.

Passenger emergency intercoms for contacting train crews, passenger alarm strips to press in case of an emergency, improved lighting, glass to see into the next cars and the platform, and computerized announcements were all implemented.

The plan for the A-cars was proposed in June 2017, and was approved in July 2021 and subsequently awarded to Brookville Equipment Corporation.

[19] The A-cars remained stored unused until early 2022, when they were towed and taken off property for conversion.