Connecticut bolsters passenger car order

Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell said Monday the Nutmeg State would increase its order of M-8s from 300 units to 342 units, with the additional cars to be paid for with funds already set aside for such purposes.

Rell made the announcement during a test run of the first M-8 units to be delivered to MTA Metro-North Railroad, which operates trains on its New Haven Line, linking the line’s namesake city with Grand Central Terminal in New York.

Said Rell, "For many years, our commuters have traveled in cars dating to the mid-70s," the Governor said. "These older cars have traveled many miles supporting millions of commuters – but it is clearly time for a new fleet. Soon more than 300 of these M-8s, bright in their red and steel colors, will cruise the New Haven Line."

Kawasaki Rail Car Inc., the manufacturer, to date has delivered 22 M-8s, which are equipped with both DC-third rail and AC-overhead catenary propulsion systems. The subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. is assembling the M-8 cars at its plant in Yonkers, N.Y.