Metro-North passenger coaches are at the centre of a new procurement process launched by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for MTA Metro-North Railroad. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Metro-North Passenger Coaches: MTA Seeks Builders
The 1980s- and 1990s-era coaches currently run on the Hudson and Harlem lines.
Photo – Marc Hermann/MTA

According to an MTA press release, the agency is inviting rail-car manufacturers to submit proposals for 252 new single-level passenger coaches. The order would be Metro-North’s first new rolling stock purchase in several decades. It is intended to replace 23% of the railroad’s active passenger fleet. That includes coaches from the 1980s and 1990s that currently operate on the Hudson and Harlem lines.

MTA RFP includes future Metro-North expansion option

The RFP also includes an option for MTA to purchase another 377 cars. Those vehicles would be reserved for future expansions of Metro-North’s service area.

Together, the base order and option separate the 23% fleet replacement from cars reserved for future service-area expansion.

Metro-North President Justin Vonashek said in a press release that the coach purchase is tied to both daily riders and the wider regional economy.

“Investing in new passenger coaches is a cornerstone of our commitment not only to the 250,000 customers who rely on Metro-North each day, but also to the economic vitality of the region,” said Metro-North President Justin Vonashek in a press release. “This competitive RFP invites rail-car manufacturers to bring forward their best ideas and engineering solutions so we can deliver coaches that are more reliable, more accessible and more comfortable for our riders.”

Passenger features and MTA capital funding

The RFP sets out technical requirements that include designated wheelchair spaces and ADA-compliant toilet access. It also lists improved announcement systems with an audio inductive loop for riders with hearing impairments. In addition, the specifications include onboard Wi-Fi, device charging outlets and enhanced safety measures. Each coach is expected to seat about 100 passengers.

Funding for the new cars will come through the MTA’s 2025-29 Capital Plan. The plan received $68 billion in the fiscal-year 2026 state budget. It includes $12 billion for new rolling stock across the MTA system. Separately, $6 billion is allocated to Metro-North for passenger car and infrastructure upgrades.

Manufacturers may submit proposals until October 2026, as Progressive Railroading reported. MTA expects to award the contract in early 2027. The new passenger cars are expected to be ready for service in 2029.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Alstom Danish headquarters brings teams together