Overheard on twitter this morning:

Once again, I had good intentions on taking early train to work but #MetroNorth failed me again. Not enough seats.

and

Metro North no longer apologises for trains that are too short. It’s just normal now.

Well, get used to it! (if you aren’t already).

Despite earlier reports and hopes, the new M-8 Rail Cars purchased by Connecticut DOT to replace the failing M-2 fleet are not going to see any service in 2009. In fact, by this time next year, if all goes according to plan, there will only be a whopping 8 new M-8 cars in service, and its unclear whether these 8 will be put onto Shoreline East or the Metro-North New Haven Line.

Note: The M-8 cars will not be attached to M-2 cars except under an emergency situation, so the 8 cars will likely be all on a single train.

Probably even more disheartening is how slowly the M-2 cars are planned to be phased out. By this time TWO years from now, the entire existing M-2 fleet is expected to still be in service, just as it is today. It won’t be until the last quarter of 2012 until the last M-2 car is expected to be retired from regular service. Even then, 30 or so M-2’s will be retained for dealing with capacity situations.

So, if you love faux-wood panelling, smelly toilets, and standing in a poorly air-conditioned overcrowded train car for a couple hours a day, take heart – your favorite ride won’t be upgraded anytime soon.