A ride on the New Haven Line with Metro North Railroad
video description
Date: 2024-01-09
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 35
-stevetalkstoomuch
Glad you finally rode the New Haven line! The State of Connecticut owns most of the M8 cars, and the tracks within Connecticut up to New Haven, and are operated by MetroNorth/MTA. It's also the busiest passenger rail line in North America. Congestion slows down the high speed potential though, until they replace the bridges and better coordinate signaling and traffic flow. That's a lot of cost for a small state.
They are currently testing the M8s for use along Shore Line East to New London to replace the diesel trains.
New Haven RR originally planned to use third rail in Connecticut, but early experiments in Berlin CT resulted in so many electrocutions of people and stray livestock that the State banned third rail in 1906 and that's why NHRR turned to overhead catenary.
The State finished rehabbing the structures and restringing the catenary to constant-tension a few years ago.
It's also the only commuter line that had bar cars for an adult beverage on your ride home in the evenings.
reply
Glad you finally rode the New Haven line! The State of Connecticut owns most of the M8 cars, and the tracks within Connecticut up to New Haven, and are operated by MetroNorth/MTA. It's also the busiest passenger rail line in North America. Congestion slows down the high speed potential though, until they replace the bridges and better coordinate signaling and traffic flow. That's a lot of cost for a small state.
They are currently testing the M8s for use along Shore Line East to New London to replace the diesel trains.
New Haven RR originally planned to use third rail in Connecticut, but early experiments in Berlin CT resulted in so many electrocutions of people and stray livestock that the State banned third rail in 1906 and that's why NHRR turned to overhead catenary.
The State finished rehabbing the structures and restringing the catenary to constant-tension a few years ago.
It's also the only commuter line that had bar cars for an adult beverage on your ride home in the evenings.
reply
-markmaiello9180
The M7s & M8s really transformed service on all 3 Metro North Lines. They introduced computerized controls, automated station call outs, larger single ingress/egress doors & energy saving braking systems. No longer will cars go dark at track crossovers either. Restroom clean outs are easier as are most maintenance functions. They are fast & reliable. The downside to the design: less interior space than previous models and Metro North continued its custom of a fairly harsh ride + these cars have a bit of excessive pitch to & fro. Otherwise, Metro North entered the 21st C. w/ these cars & its long standing station improvement program. It also improved safety recently w/ installation of automatic train speed/controls.
reply
The M7s & M8s really transformed service on all 3 Metro North Lines. They introduced computerized controls, automated station call outs, larger single ingress/egress doors & energy saving braking systems. No longer will cars go dark at track crossovers either. Restroom clean outs are easier as are most maintenance functions. They are fast & reliable. The downside to the design: less interior space than previous models and Metro North continued its custom of a fairly harsh ride + these cars have a bit of excessive pitch to & fro. Otherwise, Metro North entered the 21st C. w/ these cars & its long standing station improvement program. It also improved safety recently w/ installation of automatic train speed/controls.
reply
-joezegers
The New York commuter rails are all unique in one way or another
MNR: Kawasaki M8s used on the New Haven Line, designed to work on third rail and catenary. The M7As used on the other lines only work on third rail, and the GE PL32AC-DMs and Bombardier Shoreliners (basically just Comets, aren't that unique, as they are also used on Amtrak and other commuter rails respectively.
LIRR: The EMD DE30AC/DM30AC and Kawasaki C3 were designed specifically for the LIRR, and they recently got new EMU coaches known as Kawasaki M9s.
NJT: The Bombardier ALP-46 (their electric locomotives, Alstom PL42AC (their newer diesel locomotives) and GE/Avco Arrow III (their EMUs from the 1970s)
reply
The New York commuter rails are all unique in one way or another
MNR: Kawasaki M8s used on the New Haven Line, designed to work on third rail and catenary. The M7As used on the other lines only work on third rail, and the GE PL32AC-DMs and Bombardier Shoreliners (basically just Comets, aren't that unique, as they are also used on Amtrak and other commuter rails respectively.
LIRR: The EMD DE30AC/DM30AC and Kawasaki C3 were designed specifically for the LIRR, and they recently got new EMU coaches known as Kawasaki M9s.
NJT: The Bombardier ALP-46 (their electric locomotives, Alstom PL42AC (their newer diesel locomotives) and GE/Avco Arrow III (their EMUs from the 1970s)
reply
-peter7936
The catenary has been redone in recent years with many new towers, and everywhere a new cable and counterweight system designed to prevent the overhead power lines from sagging too low on hot days. Some of the old towers were incorporated into the new system, some not. Previously, the cables would expand and sag on hot days, meaning electric trains couldn't run without getting tangled in the wires. Connecticut uses overhead vice third rail b/c when it was built there were cows that would wander onto the tracks and we didn't; t want them electrocuted.
reply
The catenary has been redone in recent years with many new towers, and everywhere a new cable and counterweight system designed to prevent the overhead power lines from sagging too low on hot days. Some of the old towers were incorporated into the new system, some not. Previously, the cables would expand and sag on hot days, meaning electric trains couldn't run without getting tangled in the wires. Connecticut uses overhead vice third rail b/c when it was built there were cows that would wander onto the tracks and we didn't; t want them electrocuted.
reply
-graythewolf6096
The kick buttons on the doors seem unique to North America. I don't see them in Europe much but it seems like a pretty good idea, don't see many down sides to having them besides adding a little bit more complexity to the door mechanism. If they are common in other parts of the world and I just haven't noticed them please let me know I'm very interested. And if not why they may not be in use more often?
reply
The kick buttons on the doors seem unique to North America. I don't see them in Europe much but it seems like a pretty good idea, don't see many down sides to having them besides adding a little bit more complexity to the door mechanism. If they are common in other parts of the world and I just haven't noticed them please let me know I'm very interested. And if not why they may not be in use more often?
reply
-TravelAndTransit
Penn Station Access project is coming soon to the New Haven Line! The MTA will repair and upgrade the existing Hell Gate Line to accommodate Metro-North trains and provide a direct connection at Penn Station. This will substantially cut back on overcrowding and commute times by eliminating the need to get between Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station for connections to NJT, Amtrak, and PATH.
reply
Penn Station Access project is coming soon to the New Haven Line! The MTA will repair and upgrade the existing Hell Gate Line to accommodate Metro-North trains and provide a direct connection at Penn Station. This will substantially cut back on overcrowding and commute times by eliminating the need to get between Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station for connections to NJT, Amtrak, and PATH.
reply
-joermnyc
My wife has family in Westchester on the Harlem line, these trains are nice, but if you-re unlucky with your timing you get the train that makes EVERY stop, which is a much longer ride and usually more crowded. The Hudson line is probably the best for stunning views (didn-t ride it on MNR, but on Amtrak since they share the right of way up to Poughkeepsie.
reply
My wife has family in Westchester on the Harlem line, these trains are nice, but if you-re unlucky with your timing you get the train that makes EVERY stop, which is a much longer ride and usually more crowded. The Hudson line is probably the best for stunning views (didn-t ride it on MNR, but on Amtrak since they share the right of way up to Poughkeepsie.
reply
-johnmehaffey9953
It-s always funny to see that the middle seat of 3 is always the cleanest and most pumped up seat which means most people gravitate to the window or aisle seat, me I prefer the central seat as it puts most people off and then I can lie across all 3 seats, yep I-m of that certain age were I need to lie down a lot -
reply
It-s always funny to see that the middle seat of 3 is always the cleanest and most pumped up seat which means most people gravitate to the window or aisle seat, me I prefer the central seat as it puts most people off and then I can lie across all 3 seats, yep I-m of that certain age were I need to lie down a lot -
reply
-davidsp5936
I was disappointed that you didn't go all the way to New Haven, but I'm glad that you highlighted the electrification system.
You missed noting the unique underhanded third rail system and the New Haven-inspired color scheme.
Can't wait to see you do the Hudson Line. Hopefully you go all the way up!
reply
I was disappointed that you didn't go all the way to New Haven, but I'm glad that you highlighted the electrification system.
You missed noting the unique underhanded third rail system and the New Haven-inspired color scheme.
Can't wait to see you do the Hudson Line. Hopefully you go all the way up!
reply
-John-ru5ud
The dual electric power systems are required because the old New York Central (Woodlawn to GCT) used 3rd rail and the Connecticut legislature outlawed the use of third rails, allegedly because on the original line near Hartford some farmer had his cow BBQed when it wandered on the tracks.
reply
The dual electric power systems are required because the old New York Central (Woodlawn to GCT) used 3rd rail and the Connecticut legislature outlawed the use of third rails, allegedly because on the original line near Hartford some farmer had his cow BBQed when it wandered on the tracks.
reply
-FalconsEye58094
Of all the railroads serving NYC, Metro North is the least dysfunctional. Those trains are very interesting looking, I feel like it would really give the LIRR more pleasant or interesting to see some different colors than the same boring grey trains we've had my whole life
reply
Of all the railroads serving NYC, Metro North is the least dysfunctional. Those trains are very interesting looking, I feel like it would really give the LIRR more pleasant or interesting to see some different colors than the same boring grey trains we've had my whole life
reply
-swells3156
If you went north to CT than you would have taken a Stamford bound train the Stamford station connects with a ton of train routes including Acela express, northeast regional, vermonter, shoreline east, etc. The Stamford station has a lot of stuff in it even a dunkin donuts
reply
If you went north to CT than you would have taken a Stamford bound train the Stamford station connects with a ton of train routes including Acela express, northeast regional, vermonter, shoreline east, etc. The Stamford station has a lot of stuff in it even a dunkin donuts
reply
train
They really need to redo the platforms in GCT. Such a shame to have that as your first view of Grand Central coming from up north. It would be so easy to take few platforms out of service every month to replace the platforms on each one with minimal, if any, impact on service.
reply
They really need to redo the platforms in GCT. Such a shame to have that as your first view of Grand Central coming from up north. It would be so easy to take few platforms out of service every month to replace the platforms on each one with minimal, if any, impact on service.
reply
-isleman9473
Though the M8s are from Kawasaki, a Japanese firm, they are actually manufactured in Yonkers, New York, a city just to the north of New York City on Metro North's Harlem line. You can actually see the factory and manufactured railcars from the train.
reply
Though the M8s are from Kawasaki, a Japanese firm, they are actually manufactured in Yonkers, New York, a city just to the north of New York City on Metro North's Harlem line. You can actually see the factory and manufactured railcars from the train.
reply
-njdevils17
Metro-North is definitely the best out of the 3 commuter lines in the NY Metro area. Seems like it has the fewest problems and its terminal is the beautiful (and functional) Grand Central. Probably would benefit from having double decker cars though.
reply
Metro-North is definitely the best out of the 3 commuter lines in the NY Metro area. Seems like it has the fewest problems and its terminal is the beautiful (and functional) Grand Central. Probably would benefit from having double decker cars though.
reply
-juliad. 9719
The NEC south of NYC actually still runs on 11 or 12 kV - 25 Hz -- I forget the reason why the New Haven Line was upgraded to 12. 5 kV - 60 Hz, but it wasn't to match the rest of the NEC. Then, the NEC north/east of New Haven runs at 25 kV - 60 Hz.
reply
The NEC south of NYC actually still runs on 11 or 12 kV - 25 Hz -- I forget the reason why the New Haven Line was upgraded to 12. 5 kV - 60 Hz, but it wasn't to match the rest of the NEC. Then, the NEC north/east of New Haven runs at 25 kV - 60 Hz.
reply
train
A shame you weren't around to review the 1970's M2/4/6 trains that retired in 2018, those blew the M8s out of the water in terms of comfort and character. I ride those -trashcans- nearly daily, and I'm not fond of their ride quality through switches
reply
A shame you weren't around to review the 1970's M2/4/6 trains that retired in 2018, those blew the M8s out of the water in terms of comfort and character. I ride those -trashcans- nearly daily, and I'm not fond of their ride quality through switches
reply
-hersheykisses4507
I live near nyc and whenever I go there I take the Hudson line. I-ve always wanted to take the new haven line because the rolling stock looked really cool but there was never a reason for me to. Oh well. Cool video!
reply
I live near nyc and whenever I go there I take the Hudson line. I-ve always wanted to take the new haven line because the rolling stock looked really cool but there was never a reason for me to. Oh well. Cool video!
reply
-scottchambers3568
I feel honored you took the train out of new Rochelle my home town. Not what it used to be by any means but I used to take the train to grand central once a week after work before my day off as a means to unwind.
reply
I feel honored you took the train out of new Rochelle my home town. Not what it used to be by any means but I used to take the train to grand central once a week after work before my day off as a means to unwind.
reply
-samuelitooooo
The description is incorrect. You've reviewed the double deckers on the LIRR, which are C3s also made by Kawasaki.
(I'd still like to know how C3s feel cramped in ways that the Bombardier Multilevels don't. -)
reply
The description is incorrect. You've reviewed the double deckers on the LIRR, which are C3s also made by Kawasaki.
(I'd still like to know how C3s feel cramped in ways that the Bombardier Multilevels don't. -)
reply
-mattb1270
A slight correction to your one caption, the electrification Amtrak uses below NYC is still 12KV - 25hz. The 60hz/25hz frequency change occurs about 5 miles east of Penn Station on the Hell Gate line in Queens.
reply
A slight correction to your one caption, the electrification Amtrak uses below NYC is still 12KV - 25hz. The 60hz/25hz frequency change occurs about 5 miles east of Penn Station on the Hell Gate line in Queens.
reply
-hirampriggott1689
This used to be my main source of transportation when I was in college since I didn't have a car. Easy to get to New haven, Bridgeport, Westport, Stamford, and into Grand Central station in NY City.
reply
This used to be my main source of transportation when I was in college since I didn't have a car. Easy to get to New haven, Bridgeport, Westport, Stamford, and into Grand Central station in NY City.
reply
train
I noticed that when boarding it said -the next station is Pelham- then the seat check it said -this is the train to grand central the next station fordham- then it said -this station is Pelham-
Great video!
reply
I noticed that when boarding it said -the next station is Pelham- then the seat check it said -this is the train to grand central the next station fordham- then it said -this station is Pelham-
Great video!
reply
-joezegers
Metro-North and LIRR might be the best commuter rails in the entire country. The trains are mostly EMUs (except for some diesel trains, which means they are quicker. Also, they are really comfortable.
reply
Metro-North and LIRR might be the best commuter rails in the entire country. The trains are mostly EMUs (except for some diesel trains, which means they are quicker. Also, they are really comfortable.
reply
-PaulCashman
My family used to go to New Rochelle a lot since my grandma lived there, and my dad used to take me down to the tracks there to watch the trains when I was very young. Seriously, thanks for this.
reply
My family used to go to New Rochelle a lot since my grandma lived there, and my dad used to take me down to the tracks there to watch the trains when I was very young. Seriously, thanks for this.
reply
-ferseal4
Very good video Thibault, as always. I do like the mural on the station. Personally, I prefer the videos with introduction like this, without you speaking, LOL. Can't wait for you Canada reports.
reply
Very good video Thibault, as always. I do like the mural on the station. Personally, I prefer the videos with introduction like this, without you speaking, LOL. Can't wait for you Canada reports.
reply
-thomaschodak6880
you should ride the long island railroad they are owned by the MTA which is the same company that owns metro-north the LIRR is the busiest commuter railroad in the united states
reply
you should ride the long island railroad they are owned by the MTA which is the same company that owns metro-north the LIRR is the busiest commuter railroad in the united states
reply
-trainmaster1269
Down my line nice to see this I also rode an m8 Kawasaki on Tuesday Nov 2 a local From New Haven To grand central took about 4 hours one to grand central from new haven and back.
reply
Down my line nice to see this I also rode an m8 Kawasaki on Tuesday Nov 2 a local From New Haven To grand central took about 4 hours one to grand central from new haven and back.
reply
-NYMetsNo1
I like that our New Haven Line M8's all have outlets at each of their seats. On the Hudson Line, we have passengers running wires all over the place. Turns into a tripping hazard.
reply
I like that our New Haven Line M8's all have outlets at each of their seats. On the Hudson Line, we have passengers running wires all over the place. Turns into a tripping hazard.
reply
-SicilianStealth
Commuted from Rye to Grand Central Terminal over 30 years. Since Dad's passing at 90 three years ago. Parents married 63 years now there is no more -going home. -
reply
Commuted from Rye to Grand Central Terminal over 30 years. Since Dad's passing at 90 three years ago. Parents married 63 years now there is no more -going home. -
reply
-joerobertson7709
Thank you! As someone who has never been to a train station or ridden on a train this makes me feel so much better about my upcoming trip. Seriously thank you.
reply
Thank you! As someone who has never been to a train station or ridden on a train this makes me feel so much better about my upcoming trip. Seriously thank you.
reply
-flashrocket9158
I remember my Brother-in-law taking me and my family on the M8's from Larchmont to GCS for a night in the city. Even got a chance to ride the New York Subway.
reply
I remember my Brother-in-law taking me and my family on the M8's from Larchmont to GCS for a night in the city. Even got a chance to ride the New York Subway.
reply
-WhiteCamry
I'm PO'ed that you included the flyover only to cut away before a glimpse of Woodlawn station! Yes, the train doesn't stop there but so what! Woodlawn is MY stop!
reply
I'm PO'ed that you included the flyover only to cut away before a glimpse of Woodlawn station! Yes, the train doesn't stop there but so what! Woodlawn is MY stop!
reply
-greaternyrailfan
Ayyy! Someone actually rides my railroad! This is the RR that raised me, and I-m really glad you enjoyed Thibault, even though the M8 is not my favorite-
reply
Ayyy! Someone actually rides my railroad! This is the RR that raised me, and I-m really glad you enjoyed Thibault, even though the M8 is not my favorite-
reply
-stevenmontoya9950
The AC system shutting off and turning on during the catenary to third rail switchover sounds just like ones used for many light rail systems in the US!
reply
The AC system shutting off and turning on during the catenary to third rail switchover sounds just like ones used for many light rail systems in the US!
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
2:30:59
