Metro-North to expand use of lasers to combat leaf-fall on rails

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City this week approved a $3.2 million contract with Laser Precision Solutions to outfit a second Metro-North Railroad train with technology that fights the negative effects of fallen leaves on railroad track.

The contract follows a successful pilot program conducted in fall 2022, following Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR) use of the technology, MTA officials said in a press release.

Metro-North will work with Amsterdam-based manufacturer Laser Precision to outfit the laser train, which uses high-intensity lasers to remove contaminated layers of leaves from tracks, requiring only one pass that results in a smooth and clean rail.

With the addition of a second train, all vital parts of the network can be cleaned every 24 hours, MTA officials said.

Like other railroads that operate in seasonal environments, Metro-North experiences leaf fall-induced low adhesion. This condition is created by a slick substance, called pectin, left by crushed leaves on rails that gets even more slippery with light rain. When a train attempts to speed up or slow down, the pectin can cause the wheels to slip or slide along the rails.

"The LIRR led the way in using this technology and has seen an incredible decrease in delays and equipment issues brought on by slip-slide using this system, prompting Metro-North’s successful pilot last fall. It’s a game changer," said Metro-North President and LIRR Interim President Catherine Rinaldi.

The $3.2 million contract includes a two-year base plus one-year option.

During the pilot test in fall 2022, Metro-North safely cleaned over 12,000 miles of track with the laser train.