New Siemens Charger locomotives will begin passenger service on the Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line starting Monday, Sept. 22, coinciding with the start of Climate Week NYC. The announcement was made by Governor Kathy Hochul, who highlighted the increased reliability and reduced emissions of the new trains.
“Metro North is charging into the future with faster, greener, and more reliable locomotives,” Governor Hochul said. “There is no better way to kick off climate week than by further enhancing the emissions-reducing power of mass transit. I will always be a champion for New York’s commuters, and by modernizing our Metro-North fleet, tens of thousands of riders every single day will have a smoother, faster ride.”
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chair and CEO Janno Lieber added, “Transit is already the antidote to climate change, and it’s only getting cleaner and greener as we replace Metro-North’s aging diesel fleet with top-of-the-line diesel-electric locomotives. These are just the first of many new trains to come as part of the MTA Capital Plan’s $11 billion investment in new rolling stock.”
Compared to the current GE P32 locomotives that operate under electric power only for four miles in tunnels near Grand Central Terminal, these new locomotives can travel up to 102 miles under electric power within Metro-North’s third rail territory. The areas covered include Croton-Harmon on the Hudson Line, Southeast on the Harlem Line, and Pelham on the New Haven Line.
The new equipment meets Tier IV standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for vehicle emissions. This means significant improvements in both emissions and noise pollution for communities across New York State.
Enhanced monitoring and diagnostic systems have been installed in these locomotives to improve reliability by allowing crews to identify and address issues more quickly.
Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek commented, “Metro-North couldn’t be more excited to bring these powerful, reliable, and green locomotives to our railroad. With these on time, on budget, and American made locomotives, we are making a significant, long-term investment in the service we provide. These locomotives are key to our transition to a faster and cleaner fleet in the coming years. Like everything we do at Metro-North, this is all possible thanks to the hard work of our employees.”
Tobias Bauer, President of Rolling Stock Siemens Mobility North America said, “Today marks a proud milestone for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro North Railroad, Siemens Mobility, and for rail innovation in America. The Charger locomotives entering revenue service are more than just trains, they represent our shared commitment to modern and reliable transportation for millions of passengers. Built right here in the U.S., these locomotives combine cutting-edge technology with proven performance, and we’re honored to celebrate this moment alongside our partners at the MTA at Grand Central Terminal.”
In 2021 MTA placed an order with Siemens Mobility for 27 Dual Mode Charger locomotives (SC42-DM), which can operate on both diesel-electric and third-rail electric power. Manufacturing takes place at Siemens’ Sacramento facility; deliveries will continue through 2027.
Funding for these upgrades comes from both state capital plans (2015-19 and 2020-24) as well as support from the Federal Transit Administration.
Several local officials voiced their support for this development:
Representative Pat Ryan said: “This upgrade to Metro-North’s rolling stock is a transformative investment in cleaner air and more reliable service for Hudson Valley commuters and visitors. That’s a win for Hudson Valley families and that’s a win for the environment. I’ll always fight for investments that improve the rider experience and protect our precious environment.”
State Senator Peter Harckham noted: “Metro-North’s new hybrid locomotives are good news because they replace engines that are more than 30 years old, giving customers a more reliable commute and reducing maintenance costs. The new locomotives, which can be powered by electricity are also a step in the right direction in climate benefits and demonstrates that Metro-North is working to convert to more environmentally friendly trains and infrastructure.”
State Senator Rob Rolison stated: “I congratulate Metro-North Railroad on the introduction of the new Siemens Charger trains, a major investment in our region’s transportation infrastructure. These modern, sustainable locomotives will replace aging rolling stock and deliver more efficient service across both electric and diesel territory. This upgrade not only improves the Hudson Line experience for daily commuters but also strengthens the connection between the Hudson Valley and the New York metropolitan area.”
Assemblymember Anil Beephan commented: “Metro North’s commitment to cleaner and more reliable service is great news for Dutchess County. These new locomotives equipped with modern monitoring systems are an important step that will help reduce delays while keeping service dependable for residents and visitors. I appreciate Metro North’s investment and look forward to seeing these improvements benefit our riders.”
Assemblymember Dana Levenberg said: “I’m so pleased to see these state-of-the-art new locomotives being put into service especially during ‘Get There Green’ Week when we celebrate greener cleaner transportation Public transit already helps us cut down on emissions by getting single-passenger gas vehicles off road These new trains will further reduce emissions by using electricity during more their trips This is major step forward region”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins added: “Investing clean reliable transportation an communities future These Siemens Charger not only improve riders also help reduce emissions protect public health move us closer goals important step forward families commuters generations thank partners leadership project”
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino stated: “I’m grateful MTA has made this investment in new innovative energy efficient equipment replace diesel three decades Dutchess County excited primary beneficiary American made hybrid having largest number stations outside electrified track network Harlem Hudson lines engines designed exceptionally energy efficient reduce fuel consumption most importantly community significantly air pollution”
