Siemens Charger: Metro-North’s Rail Innovation in NYC

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Introduction

Metro-North Railroad has begun passenger service with its first Siemens Charger locomotives on the Hudson Line, coinciding with Climate Week NYC. The new 4,200-horsepower dual-mode locomotives are designed to improve reliability, reduce emissions, and provide greater operating flexibility.

Environmental and Operational Benefits

The Charger locomotives are designed to reduce air pollutants by 85 per cent and meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier IV emissions standards. They offer 1,000 more horsepower than the outgoing GE P32 fleet and are equipped with advanced monitoring and diagnostics to improve reliability.

Enhanced Operating Capabilities

Unlike the P32s, which operate in electric mode only in the four-mile tunnels into Grand Central Terminal, the new locomotives can run under electric power across Metro-North’s entire 102 miles of third-rail territory, covering the Hudson, Harlem and New Haven lines.

Procurement and Manufacturing Details

Metro-North ordered 27 Siemens SC42-DM dual-mode locomotives in 2021. This was funded through the MTA’s 2015–19 and 2020–24 Capital Plans with additional support from the Federal Transit Administration. The locomotives are being built at Siemens Mobility’s facility in Sacramento, California, and will be delivered through 2027.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Local representatives have welcomed the environmental and service improvements. Representative Pat Ryan described the fleet upgrade as “a transformative investment in cleaner air and more reliable service for Hudson Valley commuters,” while State Senator Peter Harckham said the new hybrid locomotives would “replace engines that are more than 30 years old, giving customers a more reliable commute and reducing maintenance costs.” Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins highlighted the wider benefits: “These new locomotives will not only improve service for Metro-North riders, but will also help reduce emissions, protect public health, and move us closer to our climate goals.” Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino added that the locomotives would “significantly reduce air pollution” and bring particular benefits to communities along the Harlem and Hudson lines, which have many non-electrified sections.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Siemens Charger locomotives marks a significant step for Metro-North Railroad, promising environmental and operational improvements. The program, which includes 27 locomotives, is supported by various funding sources and is expected to continue through 2027.

Company Summary

Metro-North Railroad: Metro-North Railroad has started service with its first Siemens Charger locomotives.

Siemens Mobility: Siemens Mobility is manufacturing the locomotives at its facility in Sacramento, California.

Federal Transit Administration: The Federal Transit Administration provided additional support for the procurement of the locomotives.

MTA: The MTA’s 2015–19 and 2020–24 Capital Plans funded the purchase of the locomotives.

Technology

Siemens Charger: The new 4,200-horsepower dual-mode locomotives.

GE P32: The outgoing fleet of locomotives.

Siemens SC42-DM: The specific model of dual-mode locomotives ordered by Metro-North.

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