**New York**: Tim Mulligan has been appointed to lead a new rolling stock programme office at the MTA, focusing on improving supply chain relationships and supporting US railcar manufacturing amid challenges including rising operational costs and the need for extensive infrastructure renewal following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tim Mulligan has been appointed to lead a newly established rolling stock programme office at the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). His role focuses on enhancing the relationship between the MTA and its supply chain, particularly in light of ongoing challenges faced by the New York Subway system. In an interview with Nick Kingsley, Mulligan expressed the agency’s commitment to support robust US rail car manufacturing, stating, “We want US rail car manufacturing to be strong.”
The MTA is navigating a complex landscape as it undertakes the important task of funding the renewal, maintenance, and operation of its subway rolling stock. The Subway has experienced significant hurdles in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, grappling with rising operational costs and a slow recovery in ridership. The subway system, which is integral to New York City, features an extensive and ageing infrastructure that presents considerable challenges for renewal efforts.
The scrutiny faced by the MTA from various political actors further complicates its operational dynamics. Over the past several years, external factors—including severe weather events, the pandemic, and debates over road pricing—have introduced layers of uncertainty regarding the necessary investment for the Subway. Recently, the congestion charge for vehicles entering lower Manhattan was implemented on January 5, raising hopes for a reliable multi-billion dollar revenue stream aimed at enhancing mass transit systems.
Mulligan’s mandate coincides with the MTA’s latest Capital Plan, which spans the period from 2025 to 2029 and was approved by the agency’s board in September of the previous year. The plan has an indicative budget of $68.4 billion but has faced challenges in securing funding, as evidenced by the New York State legislature’s scrutiny committee rejecting the plan just days before it was due for automatic ratification.
The Capital Plan includes significant investment in the subway’s rolling stock, with a focus on “state of good repair” efforts to upgrade existing assets. This encompasses funding for new rolling stock estimated at $10.9 billion, which includes the acquisition of 1,500 metro cars and 500 commuter rail cars dedicated to Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North services. Mulligan noted the interconnectedness of rolling stock renewal and the implementation of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) systems, emphasising that future procurement must support compatibility with evolving signalling technologies.
As part of his efforts, Mulligan is spearheading an initiative to improve procurement processes within the MTA. He underscored the need for the agency to leverage its role as a prominent customer in North America to bolster railcar manufacturing, stating, “We need to keep North American railcar manufacturing strong.” He highlighted partnerships with international manufacturers such as Hitachi, Siemens Mobility, and Stadler, who have established or expanded production facilities in the United States, emphasising the importance of supporting local production in New York State.
In December 2022, the MTA approved a $1.27 billion contract for an additional 435 Kawasaki Rail Car R211 Subway cars, which include new designs featuring open gangways. This order raises the total number of R211 cars to 1,610, with 345 currently in service. Deliveries of this latest batch are anticipated to start in 2027. MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber remarked, “Old train cars break down six times as frequently as new cars, so replacing them is more than just a matter of aesthetics,” signalling the urgency behind renewing the aging fleet.
Mulligan is also focusing on optimising the total cost of ownership associated with the rolling stock. He remarked that maintenance costs post-purchase often eclipse initial acquisition costs, indicating a need for integrated management in this area. Maintaining the current model where maintenance is handled in-house contrasts with practices seen in other global rail markets but signifies a commitment to local expertise and workforce preservation.
The establishment of the Rolling Stock Programme Office aims to embrace best practices in the maintenance and lifecycle management of rolling stock and related technologies. Mulligan shared his vision of implementing a ‘centre of excellence model’ that can be adapted to address various operational challenges, particularly as technology becomes increasingly central to metro operations.
With ongoing upgrades and improvements on the agenda, Mulligan underlined the need for a collaborative approach with current suppliers while adhering to existing union agreements. As the MTA navigates the coming years, these strategies will be pivotal in addressing the pressing needs of the New York Subway system while ensuring a resilient and efficient public transport network in the city.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Subscribe to Industry Updates
