Alstom, a global provider of mobility solutions, has received a €2 billion (USD 2.3 billion) contract to deliver 316 modern commuter rail cars to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad, both operated by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The agreement also includes an option to supply up to 242 additional cars, which could raise the total contract value by another €1.3 billion (USD 1.5 billion).
The new M-9A cars will replace aging M-3 vehicles currently in service, improving reliability, comfort, and efficiency for riders. Each car will include features such as USB charging ports, wide doors for faster boarding, spaces for wheelchairs, and accessible restrooms. The upgrade is part of a broader effort to modernize the MTA’s fleet and enhance passenger experience.
Production will support nearly 300 jobs across Alstom’s New York facilities. Final assembly will take place in Hornell at Alstom’s Plant 4, built specifically to bring car body manufacturing to the U.S. Bogies will be produced in Plattsburgh, while propulsion systems will be manufactured at Alstom’s facility in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. Many of these roles will be filled by members of the International Association of Machinists (IAM).
Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas, commented, “This contract supports local employment while enhancing the region’s transit systems with reliable, state-of-the-art vehicles made in New York, by New Yorkers.”
Hope Knight, President and CEO of Empire State Development, noted that New York’s investment in Alstom’s infrastructure has helped position the state as a hub for advanced rail manufacturing. “This project delivers real economic value while supporting the production of safe and modern transit options,” she said.
Elected leaders from New York praised the project for its economic and infrastructure benefits. Senator Chuck Schumer highlighted the impact on job creation and local industry: “This major contract brings hundreds of well-paying jobs to Upstate New York and cements the region’s role as a key player in U.S. railcar manufacturing.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand added that “reliable public transportation is essential to New York’s economy,” while Representative Nick Langworthy called the contract a “big win” for the Southern Tier and North Country workforce. Other state officials echoed the importance of keeping MTA investments within New York, crediting Alstom’s Hornell workforce for maintaining high standards in railcar production.
Of the 316 rail cars ordered, 160 will be allocated to the LIRR and 156 to Metro-North. This order will bring Alstom’s total delivery of commuter and subway cars to the MTA to around 5,400. All cars will be electric multiple units (EMUs), eliminating the need for a locomotive and improving energy efficiency. The vehicles will also meet MTA’s latest cybersecurity requirements.
Alstom maintains multiple sites across New York, including offices in Manhattan and Rochester, and facilities for operations and maintenance in Queens and Kanona. Its Hornell location, which has been involved in rail manufacturing for over 170 years, is the largest passenger train factory in the country.
The new rail cars are part of Alstom’s Adessia range, a global platform for commuter trains tailored to regional and urban transit needs. Available in both single and double-deck versions, Adessia trains operate across electrified and non-electrified lines at speeds up to 200 km/h (124 mph). The platform supports sustainable transport goals while offering passengers safe and efficient travel.
Alstom has delivered more than 12,000 vehicles for rail networks across the United States and continues to serve major cities and airport systems. Its footprint includes ongoing work for Amtrak’s high-speed fleet and operations at 15 U.S. airports, making it the leading supplier of automated people movers in the country.
