Pilot cars will be delivered by Alstom Transportation in 2029 and first enter LIRR passenger service in 2030, according to the MTA. All cars will be delivered by 2032. The M-9A cars, the agency says, are needed to replace MNR‘s M-3 cars that are beyond their service life, and allowing the LIRR to retire its M-3 cars whose service has been extended to support service with the opening of Grand Central Madison. These railcars will operate in LIRR electric territories and on the MNR Hudson and Harlem lines.
This approval follows new legislation signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on May 9 as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Enacted Budget to fully fund the MTA’s $68.4 billion 2025-29 Capital Plan and “builds on the MTA’s ongoing efforts to modernize its entire fleet of rolling stock,” the agency noted. The M-9A cars feature glass windows, USB charging ports and accessibility improvements, including automatic doors for bathrooms.
Specifically, for MNR, the MTA’s capital plan will spend $6 billion on rolling stock, station platforms and components, and climate weather protection. For LIRR, it will spend $6 billion on rolling stock, power system improvements, and accessibility.
“We’re looking to buy almost 2,000 rail cars as part of the new Capital Plan — $10.9 billion worth—and this 300+ order gets us off to a strong start. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her work to secure the funding that made it possible,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber.
