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MTA Metro-North Railroad and the Connecticut Department of Transportation have spent the past several months working with Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. to finalize design of the new M-8 rail cars ordered in 2006. Last week, the parties unveiled a mock-up of the cars, which will run on the New Haven Line.

The design incorporates input from Metro-North customers. In November, the agency conducted a survey on all New Haven Line afternoon and evening trains departing from Grand Central Terminal. In addition, Metro-North created customer focus groups.

The vehicles will feature brighter interior lights and colors, a more open design, improved security, larger windows, high-back seats with individual headrests, outlets near seats and automated announcements with coordinated destination signs.

Kawasaki soon will begin testing various electrical and mechanical system components. The car builder is scheduled to deliver the first prototype M-8 in late 2009.