NEWS
Space-age laser and plasma train trials zap autumn leaves off the line
“This technology could potentially reduce the need for that water and the fuel needed to transport it around the country, benefiting both the environment and costing the taxpayer less.”

26/10/2022
Metro-North to use ‘laser train’ to clear slimy autumn debris from tracks
“This is a technology…that was pioneered by the Long Island Rail Road in 2018, and is poised to become an important part of Metro North’s efforts to combat leaf season slip slide and flat wheels.”

24/10/2022
MTA announces best LIRR On-Time Performance in modern history
“An aggressive leaf fighting strategy has reduced “slip-sliding” where emergency braking creates flat spots on train wheels, forcing the LIRR to take much-needed equipment out of service for repairs.”
21/1/2022
How the LIRR combats an astonishingly annoying problem: Fallen leaves
“These trains have proved so efficient, we added a second laser train last year and increased its speed, allowing us to cover more territory more quickly. The initiative has yielded major year-over-year improvements in service while ultimately paying for itself through reduced labor and material costs.”
31/10/2021