Electro-Battery trains

Currently LIRR operates electro-diesel locomotives hauling coaches for non-electrified rail lines (MNCR also does this as well). Instead of having a heavy locomotive hauling coaches, LIRR can invest in buying dual-mode EMUs (using a battery in place of diesel), which are lighter, offer better acceleration, and are better-suited for branch line services.

Although no one has manufactured a third rail+battery EMU, Stadler has manufactured the FLIRT in battery, hybrid diesel-battery, and electro-diesel-battery, and is willing to make custom designs, so Stadler can create a variant of the FLIRT tailor-made to the LIRR's (and MNCR's) needs. Obviously this would change a normally low-floor train to a high-floor train (similar to the UK variant). This train (dubbed FLIRT MTA) would replace the DE30ACs, DM30ACs and C3s for the LIRR and the P32AC-DM and the the Comet IIs and Shoreliner cars on the East of Hudson services (New Haven and its branches, Hudson and Harlem lines)

The LIRR didn't include anything like that in their most recent budget, as a matter of fact they're ordering dual mode diesel locomotives and coaches. But nonetheless, it sounds like a good idea.

Pensyfan19 wrote: ↑Mon May 11, 2020 6:29 pm The LIRR didn't include anything like that in their most recent budget, as a matter of fact they're ordering dual mode diesel locomotives and coaches. But nonetheless, it sounds like a good idea.

Been hearing they're going to be similar to the Siemens Chargers. Perhaps LIRR did so as it's a joint order with MNCR and Amtrak.