New Haven Line commuters who are used to their M-2 cars and all the scheduling problems they create are in for an upgrade. After months of testing, the MTA revealed the first of the new M-8 cars (video below). Jeff Parker, Connecticut's Transportation Commissioner, said in a statement, "I am thrilled to be able to introduce a new era of comfort and reliability for New Haven Line riders. Even a single eight-car train set will help alleviate crowding and bring hope to our beleaguered New Haven Line customers." Here's what the ride is like:
Inside the cars, customers will notice are roomier, high-back, contoured seats with individual headrests, curved arm rests anchored at both ends in the upholstery. They will see larger windows and better lighting, especially in the vestibules for improved safety. Other features include LED displays that show the next stop and automated audio announcements. Each seat is outfitted with electrical outlets, grab bars, coat hooks and curvaceous luggage racks. The cars also are equipped with an intercom system that customers can use to contact the crew in emergencies.
Outside, customers will see prominent electronic destination signs and hear external public address speakers. Single leaf doors provide high reliability and less susceptibility to snow intrusion. The color scheme is a vibrant red, the historical color of the New Haven Railroad, predecessor to Metro-North.
Swank! By Monday, the New Haven line should also be back on its regular schedule, after winter weather forced them to reduce service. The railroad expects 80 of the cars to be in service by the end of the year, and all 380 to be running by late 2013, delays which may make next winter as bad as this one. (As for the controversial new bar cars, we're told they won't star appearing until all the new non-bar cars roll out.) Railroad president Howard Permut told the Times, "We’re going to struggle to get through another winter with all the older vehicles." And passengers on those trains won't even get to enjoy that "new train smell."
