M-2 Passenger Car Critical System
Replacement Program

Have you caught a ride on one of the newly re-furbished trains on the New Haven Line and noticed the new toilets, replaced passenger seats, and new windows and floors?

The M-2 Critical System Replacement Program has been underway since 2001, completing the replacement and rehabilitation of approximately a third of the passenger cars to date.  By the end of 2005, 50 pairs or 100 passenger cars have been rehabilitated and put back in to service. The New Haven Rail Line currently operates a fleet of 242 M-2 cars placed into service between the years of 1973-1976.   The majority of the existing equipment is now over the 30-year design life.  This rehabilitation program will provide 10-12 more years of service, enough time to last until the receipt of the new fleet of M-8 passenger cars.  

The M-2 Critical System Replacement Program includes window replacement, cleaning and replacement of passenger seats, door system replacement, new painting on the outside of the cars, new vestibule, lighting and propulsion systems.  For some customers, the upgrade of the current lavatories to a new sealed waste disposal system has addressed their main personal concerns. There are other system upgrades being performed to increase reliability to the rail car.

To date the M-2 Critical System Replacement Program has completed nearly:

• 98% of all window repair and glazing,
• 27% of the electronic work,
• 41% of the outside painting, and
• 41% of the seat replacements are completed.
• 34% total M-2 fleet compleated.

The work is being done in various locations in the NY/CT region.  Metro-North Rail Shops at Brewster, NY performed the window glazing, High-Bridge, NY reupholsters and replaces passenger seat cushions, North White Plans, NY performs the painting, and Critical Systems Replacement Shop in New Haven, CT performs all the electrical and systems upgrade and replacement work.

M-2 Pilot pair crew

The Connecticut Department of Transportation developed this project to address the multitude of passenger car systems failures. With the assistance of Metro North, the operator of the New Haven Line, CDOT and Metro North began a $150 million dollar program to replace or rebuild several critical systems on the current M-2 passenger cars.  Connecticut’s portion is $98.2 million or 65%, while New York/MTA is contributing $51.8 million or 35%.  The expected completion date is year-end of 2008.