Metro-North marks achievements under 'Way Ahead' transformation plan

MTA Metro-North Railroad has met key benchmarks in the first year of a plan designed to improve safety, service, infrastructure and communication with passengers.

Metro-North President Catherine Rinaldi today announced the accomplishments since implementing the New York City commuter railroad's "Way Ahead" plan a year ago as a response to increasing ridership, changing demographics and the evolving needs of riders, agency officials said in a press release.

“Over the past year, we’ve met key milestones, setting the highest standards for safety, reliability and innovation in the delivery of excellent customer service," Rinaldi said. "I’m proud to report that we’re developing an even stronger Metro-North, and we remain focused on continuing to enhance our system.”

The achievements include:
• expansion of positive train control (PTC) technology to almost 90 percent of the Hudson Line;
• completion of station improvements at White Plains, Riverdale, Crestwood, Port Chester and Harlem-125th Street;
• completed installation of new state-of-the-art “big boards” at Grand Central Terminal that are brighter and easier to read; and
• continued work on the SmarTrack infrastructure program.

Next steps of the plan will include:
• completing installation of PTC in 2020;
• delivering the 2020-2024 capital program;
• arrival of more M-8 rail cars on the New Haven Line in 2020;
• completing the White Plains station renovation;
• continuation of SmarTrack, including trackside cleanup and trimming efforts; and
• installing Help Points and security cameras.

To read the full list of the Way Ahead achievements so far, click on this link.