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When the train reaches Grand Central, another team of counters tally the number of passengers detraining and notating how many cars each train has in its consist. This information is then given to Metro North’s planning department and they, in turn, determine how many cars each train is alloted.

The planning department sends car count lists to yardmasters in each terminal (i.e. New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford). Like a grocery list, the yardmaster tries to follow the form while instructing yard crews making up trains for the morning rush.

Then why are trains short cars?

It all comes down to supply and demand. Most of our equipment is 35 years old, and frequently breaks down, this, in turn, causes car shortages. The problem is compounded in times of inclement weather (like the upcoming “slip/slide” season.)

For example, the yardmaster may be setting up train #1531. His list tells him he needs 8 cars. At leaving time, the crew of 1531 discovers that they can’t get a brake applied light. Mechanical forces are called and find that the train hit debris on the main line and is missing brake shoes. The train is due out in 20 minutes, so the yardmaster, who is short cars, is forced to give train #1581′s crew, #1583′s equipment. That train only called for 4 cars, meaning train #1581 will be very crowded.

The equipment swap throws off the logistical plans for the planning department, and the trains will be out of sync for the rest of the morning commute and possibly all day.

The yardmasters do their best, but sometimes the equipment just isn’t available.

In late 2009, the new M8′s are supposed to start arriving. Hopefully, this will solve our equipment shortage problems.