MTA to Pilot Air Purification System on Commuter Rails

The technology will be installed inside rail cars for MTA’s Metro-North and Long Island Railroads.

by METRO Staff

October 16, 2020

MTA to Pilot Air Purification System on Commuter Rails — MTA’s Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi and Chief Mechanical Officer James Heimbuecher unveiled the pilot railcar air purification technology at Grand Central Terminal on Oct. 15.
Credit:
MTA

2 min to read

New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is piloting a new technology to filter and purify air inside rail cars for its Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Railroad.

The air purifying system, developed by Md.-based Knorr Brake Company and its Merak North America division, uses an electrical field to generate a wave of ionized particles that destroy airborne viruses, bacteria, and particulate matter, including COVID-19. Incorporated into the railroads’ existing ventilation systems, the system replaces the air inside a rail car approximately 12 times an hour, or about once every five minutes.

The technology was introduced as part of MTA’s “COVID Response Technology” that was announced in July to make public transit safer and more responsive to the needs of riders. The pilot follows a successful proof-of-concept conducted by Metro-North over the summer.

“As more and more customers return to Metro-North trains, they want to be confident that we are doing everything that we can to keep them safe and healthy,” said Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi. “If the pilot proves successful, not only does this new air purification technology kill COVID-19, it kills any virus including the standard flu or bacteria that cause the common cold, and even particulate matter like diesel fumes. The benefits provided by this new system would last well after the pandemic has ended.”

The technology was installed in two HVAC units of a Metro-North car on Oct. 7 and is being installed by the end of the month on a car of MTA’s Long Island Railroad. Researchers with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will work in partnership with the MTA to test the technology to determine its effectiveness in meeting the needs for public transit.

In addition to launching its COVID response plan, the MTA has heightened cleaning and disinfecting of cars and stations, deployed customer ambassadors to assist with loading and rider information, installed hand sanitizer dispensers at stations along with vending machines selling personal protective equipment, and floor decals to assist customers with social distancing.

Topics:commuter rail New York MTA COVID-19 sanitizing safety Rail Security and Safety

More Security and Safety

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Photo of disaster in neighborhood near a highway

Security and Safety•by Alex Roman•April 30, 2026

How the Motorcoach Industry Supports Disaster Response and National Preparedness

Fred Ferguson, president and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA), discussed how the industry prepares for emergencies, the growing recognition of motorcoaches as critical infrastructure, and steps operators can take to strengthen disaster readiness.

Security and Safety•by Staff•April 29, 2026

Dallas Area Rapid Transit Strengthens Safety with Expanded Security Presence

The approved contract modification will increase funding for transit security officer services to a total not-to-exceed amount of $32.1 million, ensuring a continued and visible security presence across DART’s buses, trains, stations, and facilities.

Security and Safety•by Staff•April 27, 2026

USDOT Invests $1.1B to Enhance Safety Infrastructure at Railroad Crossings

Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide.

Siemens and LK Comstock photo for Fulton-Liberty Lines

Security and Safety•by Staff•April 27, 2026

NYC’s Fulton–Liberty Lines Get Digital Signal Upgrade from Siemens and L.K. Comstock

The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.