Governor Hochul Announces New Locomotives Begin Passenger Service on Metro-North Railroad

Train Reliability Enhanced While Reducing Air Pollutants by 85 Percent

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that new 4,200-horsepower Siemens Charger locomotives received last year for testing by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will begin passenger service on Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line at the start of Climate Week NYC, Monday, Sept. 22. These new locomotives provide riders with even more reliable service while reducing airborne pollutants by 85 percent, all while producing 1,000 more horsepower than the current fleet.

"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."

Rolling Stock Siemens Mobility North America President Tobias Bauer 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, the MTA’s Metro-North Railroad placed an order with Siemens Mobility for 27 Dual Mode Charger locomotives, known by the model number SC42-DM. These locomotives operate on both diesel-electric and third-rail electric power, enabling them to run on all of Metro-North’s non-electrified lines and switch to electric power for electrified routes, including in Grand Central Terminal. These locomotives are being manufactured at the Siemens Mobility rolling stock facility in Sacramento, CA, and delivered to Metro-North through 2027.

The purchase of these new Siemens Charger locomotives was funded by the MTA's 2015-19 and 2020-24 Capital Plans, along with funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).