The MTA Board unanimously approved the contract with New York City-based Alstom Transportation Inc. to design and manufacture 316 new M9A cars. The MTA hoped to have the M9A trains in place for the 2023 opening of Grand Central Madison, which came with a significant increase in the number of trains operated daily. But the award of a contract was slowed by COVID-19-related supply chain issues and other financial challenges at the MTA. The delay forced the LIRR to extend the life of its 40-year-old M3 fleet, which will be retired with the arrival of the M9As. For more on these new trains, visit the link in bio. (Photo Credit: MTA) #mta #trains #mtalirr #longisland #liny # #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #transit #publictransit #nassaucountyny #suffolkcountyny #queensny #brooklynny