2019 was an unprecedented year in the history of the Long Island Rail Road. The Railroad improved its Ontime Performance (OTP), increased accessibility on trains and at stations while completing sweeping upgrades throughout the system, including 14 switch replacements, two
The next generation of commuter rail cars entered into passenger service on September 11, 2019. The new cars feature increased seating capacity, A/C electric outlets at each row of seats, powered button-activated doors between every other car, CCTV and multimedia screens.
The new cars, which are being built by Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc., incorporate and improve upon the most successful and popular features of the MTA’s two recent electric car fleets, the LIRR’s familiar M7s electric cars, and the M8 cars serving Metro-North’s New Haven Line, and they will enhance safety.
The M9 contract has a base order of 92 cars and an option order for 110 additional LIRR cars for a total of 202 cars, the last of which are expected to begin passenger service in March 2021. Final assembly of the M9 cars is taking place in Kawasaki’s plant in Yonkers, helping to create jobs for New Yorkers. The new M9 rail cars will also help to expand the LIRR’s fleet capacity and allow for anticipated ridership growth with the completion of East Side Access, the LIRR Expansion Project and other system expansion projects throughout the region.
Enhanced M9 rail car customer amenities:
- Improved ride quality.
- Electrical outlets on both sides of car in each row of seats.
- 4-6 Additional seats per married pair (217 seats/pair).
- Front of car exterior destination signs (visible as train approaches station).
- Slightly increased width of seats.
- Additional speakers in vestibule and Text-to-Speech service updates for clearer public service announcements.
- Closed loop seat armrests.
- Consistent car number displays.
- Energy efficient LED lighting.
- Four 32” multimedia screens in each car.
- Side doors operate with less impact – easier to open in emergencies.
- Flip seats with suspension system to prevent slamming.
- Increased window tint to reduce glare.
- Positive Train Control (PTC) Equipped.
- CCTV – 1 forward facing CCTV camera, 1 in-cab CCTV camera and 8 passenger-area CCTV cameras.
- Threshold illuminating lights at the side and end doors.
- Additional emergency lighting.
- Increased length and height of vestibule grab handles.
- Scratch-proof toilet room mirror.
- High velocity “no touch” toilet room hand drier.
- Improved toilet doors and coat hooks.
- Additional toilet room air quality treatment.
The LIRR’s next fleet of rail cars, known as the “M9” cars, entered into passenger service on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019. The new cars incorporate and improve upon the most successful and popular features of the MTA’s two recent electric
The new M9 Rail cars, designed and built by Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc. for LIRR, will provide a full slate of amenities to LIRR customers, including: Seating and Car Interiors Closed loop seat armrests Electrical outlets on both sides of
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The MTA Board has approved a contract with Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc., to design and build the next generation of rail cars for the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad. The MTA expects up to 676 cars will be
