Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) commuters can look forward to new trains equipped with several upgraded features, including the introduction of urinals in bathrooms, as part of a $2.3 billion deal with Alstom Transportation. This plan, approved by the Metropolitan Transportation Board, involves the design and construction of 316 new M9A trains, set to debut in 2030.
LIRR President Robert Free explained that urinals will help reduce maintenance issues and enhance sanitation, offering a better experience for riders. This upgrade has been praised by commuters like Great Neck resident Michael Richman, who believes it will make the bathrooms feel safer.
Additional improvements include electrical outlets with USB and USB-C ports at every seat, addressing a common complaint about the current charging setup. This configuration is intended to mitigate issues with cables crossing passengers’ laps.
The MTA initially aimed to have the M9A trains available for the 2023 Grand Central Madison opening; however, delays due to COVID-19 and financial challenges extended the lifespan of the aging M3 fleet, which is now experiencing more frequent breakdowns. MTA Chairman Janno Lieber emphasized the urgency of replacing these older cars to ensure reliable service for commuters.
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