New York’s MTA Unveils New Metro-North Locomotives
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has unveiled new SC42-DM dual-mode locomotives built by Siemens Mobility to upgrade the Metro-North Railroad.
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has unveiled new SC42-DM dual-mode locomotives built by Siemens Mobility to upgrade the Metro-North Railroad.
The new locomotives feature 4,200 horsepower engines and are designed to enhance train reliability. They will also reduce air pollutants by over 85% and will improve the operator’s environmental impact by replacing ageing diesel trains.
The SC42-DM locomotives will offer extended electric-mode travel, covering 102 miles within Metro-North’s third rail network. This contrasts to the older P32 models that operate on electric power only within a short four-mile stretch around Grand Central Terminal.
They are also compliant with Tier IV emissions standards, drastically reducing airborne pollutants when running in diesel mode. Additionally, the vehicles are equipped with monitoring systems to provide real-time diagnostics, improving reliability and minimising service disruptions.
The locomotives were built by Siemens Mobility in Sacramento, California under a 414 million USD contract awarded by Metro-North in 2021.
“As the first dual-mode offering from Siemens Mobility in North America, these locomotives for Metro-North are a sustainable alternative to transform rail in New York.
“With our partners at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad, and our Siemens Mobility team across the country, including our team in New York City, I look forward to seeing these modern, sustainable and innovative locomotives connecting passengers across the New York Metropolitan Region and Connecticut.”
The fleet will consist of 33 locomotives in total, funded by both the MTA and the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
The first two locomotives, Nos. 301 and 302, have completed testing in Colorado and will undergo operational testing within the Metro-North environment before beginning passenger service in early 2025.
“These beautiful new locomotives are part of creating the best customer experience every day on every ride on Metro-North and reaffirm our commitment to run the most reliable service possible. Taking public transportation is one of the best ways to address climate change, and I look forward to the environmental benefits that will result when these locomotives go into service early next year.”
