Since 2023, the adoption of LaserTrain technology has enhanced rail safety, reduced maintenance requirements, and improved service reliability across the Metro-North network through more efficient track cleaning and reduced equipment wear.
A New Benchmark in Rail Maintenance
Metro-North Railroad achieved a record-high 98 percent On-Time Performance (OTP) in November 2024, marking the best in its 41-year history. Compared to 2023, slip-slide incidents fell by 16 percent, while delay minutes decreased by 33 percent, ensuring safer and more reliable travel for passengers.
28K+
LaserTrain Miles
345
Daily Miles Cleaned
-54%
Low Adhesion Events
-19%
Slip-Slide Delayed Trains
Measurable Benefits
Boosted Coverage
55 percent of the network cleaned every 24 hours
2023
Safer Operations
66 percent reduction in slip-slide events
2023
Enhanced Rail Grip
Lowest slip-slide related delay minutes ever recorded, two years in a row
2024 and 2023
Better Performance
November OTP target surpassed three years in a row!
2022-24
Improved Service
70 percent decrease in train delays
2023
Extended Wheel Life
62 percent saving in wheel value during maintenance
This past Friday we concluded our second slip-slide season operating the Laser Train…We more than doubled the amount of track miles cleaned from last year and cleaned more than 5 times our best year utilizing water jets (Water World).
Justin R. Vonashek, EVP & Chief Operating Officer at Metro-North Railroad. (2023)
Continuous Improvement
Optimising Cleaning Impact
In 2023 we improved cleaning reliability during slip-slide season with two key enhancements
Refine Geographical Information Set (GIS)
Software Updates cut laser on/off time from 9 to 2 seconds, refining cleaning efficiency around interlocks, switches, and grade crossings.
Update LaserTrain Sensors
Proactively adding new sensor types enhanced overall reliability, minimising machine downtime due to sensor malfunctions.
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