Metro-North: New Train Cars Finally Coming

Updated train cars are finally coming to Metro-North with comfortable seating, phone chargers and updated restrooms. But when can we expect them?

The Journal News reports that Metro-North railroad has secured $2.6 billion in funding that will be used for improvements to tracks, stations and replacement of tired old train cars. The money is part of a larger $26.1 billion capital plan that will fund improvements to the entire mass transit system including trains, subways and buses.

Those who travel on Metro-North are well aware of how old and tired the current train cars are. In fact, many of them are over 30 years old. It's not uncommon for passengers to struggle with a broken train car door only to find that the last seat available is a ripped, backwards-facing bench seat. Of course, the seat is usually next to a loudspeaker that constantly squawks ear-piercing feedback every time a stop is announced.

What makes the experience even worse is that the run-down Hudson Line train is usually on a track at Grand Central next to a newer, state of the art car that's headed somewhere else. Peering out of a hazy, scratched window from the green, fluorescent light of your car you wonder what it must be like to ride in such comfort.

Well, you'll soon find out how luxurious those newer cars are, as Metro North announced that they're finally replacing those run down train cars. The MTA is working with Kawasaki Rail Car in Yonkers to manufacture 280 new cars that will feature bigger windows, a PA system that is completely automated, working doors and upgraded air conditioning and heating. The cars should be ready and in service within four years.

What improvements would you like to see made to the current Metro-North cars? Let us know your suggestions in the comments section below.