STV announced the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Metro-North Railroad selected the firm to provide engineering and procurement support for new battery-electric locomotives. 

The firm is performing design reviews, test coverage, and vehicle inspection services for this program. 

Metro-North’s BE Locomotives

The locomotives, which are modeled after the Siemens Mobility Charger SC42-DM dual-powered locomotives that STV is also supporting, will be among the first battery-electric passenger rail vehicles in the US. 

The locomotives will be used as part of a new service that will bring Metro-North’s New Haven Line directly to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan. 

“Our intimate experience with MTA and Metro-North’s vehicle fleet, specifically the SC42-DM locomotives, has helped deliver this cutting-edge innovative solution for the agency,” said John Batey, PE, vice president, vehicle engineering, at STV. “In addition to providing more convenient access to New York City from Connecticut and Westchester County, these new locomotives will provide riders with a cleaner, greener option.” 

Advancing Siemens Partnership

The purchase of 13 battery and electric-powered locomotives is an add-on to Metro-North’s existing contract with STV to procure 33 dual-mode locomotives from Siemens. 

The locomotives will generally draw from overhead catenary power and then switch to battery mode for tracks in and around Penn Station, where electrical traction power is used. 

The initiative is part of a larger push in the transportation industry to provide more economical and environmentally-friendly options to commuters, while advancing long-term operational goals. This includes Metro-North’s first dual-mode locomotive, for which STV provided design reviews, test coverage, and vehicle inspection services.