News Summary
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has approved a $2.3 billion contract for 316 new M-9A railcars to modernize its commuter rail services. The order includes 160 railcars for Long Island Rail Road and 156 for Metro-North Railroad, with an option for further purchases. The new cars aim to enhance efficiency and comfort for New York commuters, featuring modern amenities. With deliveries starting in phases by 2029, this move aligns with the MTA’s broader $10.9 billion Capital Plan for fleet upgrades, addressing the need for reliable transit amidst an evolving landscape.
New York – The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has taken a significant step towards modernizing its commuter rail system by approving a $2.3 billion contract for the purchase of 316 new M-9A passenger railcars from Alstom Transportation. The MTA Finance Committee’s decision, announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul on June 23, is intended to enhance the efficiency and comfort of public transit for New Yorkers.
The approved order allocates 160 railcars for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and 156 cars for the Metro-North Railroad. The total contract value also includes an option to purchase an additional 242 railcars in the future. Governor Hochul highlighted that the new railcars would provide New Yorkers with a fast, reliable, and comfortable transit system, stating that commuter rails serve as a lifeline for riders in the bustling transit network.
The M-9A railcars are expected to be delivered in phases, with pilot cars anticipated by 2029. The initial set of cars for LIRR passenger service is planned to commence operations in 2030, and all railcars are scheduled for delivery by 2032. MTA officials have indicated that future orders may occur as part of ongoing upgrades to the fleet.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber stated that this procurement is a strong beginning to the modernization efforts outlined in the agency’s new $10.9 billion Capital Plan, which aims to acquire nearly 2,000 railcars overall. Tim Mulligan, MTA Chief of Rolling Stock Program, noted that the MTA holds the title of the largest railcar purchaser in North America, asserting the agency’s commitment to improving transit infrastructure.
The new M-9A railcars will feature various enhancements, including glass windows, USB charging ports, and improvements in accessibility, such as automatic doors for bathrooms. These modernizations will replace the aging M-3 railcars currently in service on Metro-North, allowing the LIRR to retire its extended-service M-3 cars as well. The new railcars are designed to operate in LIRR’s electric territories as well as on the Hudson and Harlem lines operated by Metro-North.
Alstom is set to manufacture the railcars at its recently opened 135,000 square foot facility in Hornell, New York, which is acknowledged as the most advanced car body shell facility in the United States. The Hornell plant will support not only this contract but also other rail manufacturing projects, including those for Metra, which services the Chicago area. Innovative methods will be applied to foster reductions in production costs and delivery timelines for the railcars.
The procurement process experienced setbacks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside changes in ownership when Alstom acquired Bombardier during this timeframe. The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act also restricted rolling stock purchases from foreign-owned firms, influencing the bidding process. Despite initially negotiating with a single manufacturer, the MTA achieved cost savings of $395 million on this contract.
Originally, the MTA set an ambitious target to have 160 new cars ready for the Grand Central Madison service in 2023. However, delays in the procurement process necessitated a temporary reliance on older M-3 cars until the new vehicles are available, underscoring the importance of timely advancements within the MTA’s fleet.
The MTA’s decision to invest in new railcars signifies a commitment to improving public transportation services, with an overarching goal of enhancing the travel experience for commuters throughout the New York metropolitan area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Trains.com: New York MTA to order more than 300 commuter railcars
- Evening Tribune: MTA orders over 300 railcars from Alstom production in Hornell
- NY Daily News: MTA approves $2.3B to buy 316 LIRR and Metro-North rail cars
- Wikipedia: Public transportation in New York City
- Newsday: LIRR M-9A train cars
- Google Search: New York MTA railcars
