Sept. 22 marked the first day in passenger service on Metro-North for new Siemens SC42-DM Charger locomotives. The locomotives can draw electric power from Metro-North’s entire 102-miles of third rail and switch to their own diesel-electric power to run on tracks that do not have third rails. The third rail ends at Croton-Harmon on the Hudson Line, Southeast on the Harlem Line, and Pelham on the New Haven Line.
The GE P32 locomotives that typically have been used by Metro-North to reach parts of the system not served by third rail would only switch to third rail power when in the tunnel leading into and out of Grand Central Terminal.
The new locomotives can generate 4,200 horsepower, about 1,000 horsepower more than the current locomotives. The introduction of the new locomotives, which are expected to reduce diesel engine air pollution by 85%, coincided with the start of Climate Week.
“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,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said at a Grand Central Terminal news conference. “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.”
Siemens Mobility North America President Tobias Bauer said, “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, Metro-North placed an order with Siemens Mobility for 27 of the new SC42-DM models. The locomotives are being manufactured at the Siemens Mobility rolling stock facility in Sacramento, California, and delivered to Metro-North through 2027. The purchase was funded by the MTA’s 2015-19 and 2020-24 Capital Plans, along with funding from the Federal Transit Administration.
“Metro North is charging into the future with faster, greener, and more reliable locomotives,” Gov. Hochul said. “There is no better way to kick off climate week than by further enhancing the emissions-reducing power of mass transit. By modernizing our Metro-North fleet, tens of thousands of riders every single day will have a smoother, faster ride.”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “These new Siemens Charger 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. This is an important step forward for Westchester County families, commuters and future generations, and we thank our partners at the MTA for their leadership on this project.”
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Dutchess County is excited to be the primary beneficiary … having the largest number of stations outside of the electrified track network on the Harlem and Hudson lines. The new engines, designed to be exceptionally energy efficient, will reduce fuel consumption and most importantly for our community, significantly reduce air pollution.”
