Bike Racks To Be Installed On 50 New M8 Metro-North Rail Cars

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- A total of 50 bike racks will be installed on Connecticut's new M8 rail cars serving the New Haven Line in Fairfield County, the state Department of Transportation announced.

50 of the new M8 rail cars will be equipped with bike racks as part of a test program.
Photo Credit: *Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin*

Joe Jenkins

03/10/2014 4:00 a.m.

The first 50 cars will serve as a pilot program to give train crews a chance to identify any issues with use and maintenance, DOT said. Additional customer feedback will also be evaluated.

After the test period, it is anticipated that all remaining pairs of M8 cars will be equipped with bicycle racks.

Connecticut has ordered 405 new M8 cars, and 300 have now been placed into service on the New Haven Line, the busiest commuter rail line in the country. All 405 should be delivered by the end of 2014.

Bicycles will still not be permitted on peak-hour trains on weekday mornings and evenings.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Greenwich and receive free news updates.