NYC Metro-North Unveils Moving Veterans Tribute
Metro-North unveils eighth Heritage Series locomotive honoring all military branches
Metro-North Adds Veterans Tribute Locomotive
Metro-North Railroad's newest Heritage Series locomotive honors veterans across all military branches, officials said. The railroad unveiled the eighth Heritage Series locomotive November 10, 2024, at Grand Central Terminal, one day before Veterans Day. The patriotic locomotive features red, white, and blue colors and will operate on Metro-North routes throughout the New York and Connecticut service area.
Heritage Series Celebrates Regional History
The Heritage Series program uses specially painted locomotives to honor important aspects of regional history and groups who've shaped the communities Metro-North serves, according to the transit agency. Catherine Rinaldi, President of Metro-North Railroad, said the veterans locomotive serves as "a tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country." Officials noted many MTA employees are veterans themselves, though the agency didn't provide specific numbers. Transit agencies including Chicago's Metra and Philadelphia's SEPTA have similar programs honoring veterans through commemorative vehicle designs.
Ceremony Marks Eighth Heritage Locomotive
The November 10 ceremony at Grand Central Terminal featured remarks from MTA leadership, veterans, and elected officials, according to the press release. Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO, said the agency is "proud to honor our nation's veterans with this special locomotive." Officials didn't disclose the specific locomotive number or the cost of the Heritage Series paint scheme and design work. The locomotive honors all branches of military service, though specific design elements beyond the patriotic color scheme weren't detailed in available information.
Locomotive Enters Regular Service
The veterans tribute locomotive entered regular service on Metro-North routes following the November 10 unveiling, officials said. The timing allowed the locomotive to begin operating on Veterans Day itself. Officials didn't specify which routes the Heritage Series locomotive will serve or how frequently riders might encounter it. The seven previous Heritage Series locomotives remain in service on Metro-North's network, though details about those earlier tributes weren't provided in the veterans locomotive announcement.
Moving Memorial Serves Daily Riders
Metro-North riders throughout New York and Connecticut will see the veterans tribute locomotive during regular commutes, creating what officials called "a moving memorial" to military service members. Rinaldi said the locomotive will remind customers daily "of the sacrifices made by our veterans." Moovit provides real-time Metro-North schedule information and service updates for riders throughout the system's service area.
