The LIRR M9 is the newest electric multiple-unit (EMU) train that Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc. has constructed for the Long Island Rail Road as part of their fleet replacement program, which will increase passenger comfort and safety and improve reliability. The M9, which debuted in 2019, includes stainless-steel car bodies; LED lights and digital information displays inside the cars; wider seats; USB charging ports for phones and augmented security cameras. It runs on electrified branches of the LIRR, consisting of the Babylon, Huntington, and Ronkonkoma lines. With automatic climate control, better acceleration, and ADA-compliant restrooms, the M9 delivers a quieter, smoother ride that uses less energy as it serves LIRR riders traveling across Long Island.
M9 Train Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. |
| Service Start | 2019 |
| Capacity | 110 seated passengers per car |
| Branches | Ronkonkoma, Babylon, Port Washington, etc. |
| Technology | LED lighting, digital screens, and modern HVAC systems |
| Safety Features | Security cameras, crash energy management (CEM) |
| Accessibility | Wider doors, ADA-compliant seating, visual/audio alerts |
LIRR M9 Passenger Journey Flowchart
The following flowchart outlines a typical commuter’s journey on an M9 train:
[ Arrive at Station ]
↓
[ Purchase Ticket or Use Monthly Pass ]
↓
[ Board an M9 Train ]
↓
[ Enjoy Modern Features (WiFi, Digital Displays, Comfortable Seats) ]
↓
[ Travel to Destination ]
↓
[ Exit Train at Final Stop ]
How M9 Fits into LIRR’s Operations
This flowchart illustrates the role of M9 trains within the LIRR system:
[ LIRR Fleet ]
↓
[ Older M3 & M7 Trains ] → [ New M9 Trains ]
↓
(Improved Reliability & Passenger Comfort)
↓
[ Faster, Safer, and More Efficient Travel ]
↓
[ Enhanced Commuting Experience ]
Advantages of M9 Trains
- Improved Passenger Experience – Spacious seating, better air conditioning, and brighter interiors.
- Advanced Safety Features – Crash Energy Management (CEM) reduces accident impact, while security cameras enhance safety.
- Better Accessibility – Larger doors, ADA-compliant seating, and digital signage assist all passengers.
- Efficient Energy Use – LED lighting and modern HVAC systems lower energy consumption.
- Increased Reliability – M9 trains offer smoother acceleration and braking, reducing delays.
LIRR M9 Operations and Service
1. LIRR M9: Where It Serves
LIRR M9s run on the majority of the electrified branches of the Long Island Rail Road. They primarily serve:
- Babylon Branch
- Ronkonkoma Branch
- Huntington/Port Jefferson Branch (electrified section)
- Long Beach Branch
- Port Washington Branch
- Hempstead Branch
The M9s are not operated on non-electrified territory as such as those found on the Montauk, Oyster Bay, and Port Jefferson branches west of the termini of electrification. They operate in tandem with M7 trains to serve busy commuter routes into Penn Station, Grand Central Madison, and Atlantic Terminal.
2. M9 Frequencies Schedule and Frequency of Current Service on the LIRR Network
- M9 trains operate on the regular LIRR schedule, in which are replacing older M3s during peak and off-peak hours.
- Peak hours: Frequent on the Babylon and Ronkonkoma branches, especially during the morning inbound and evening outbound rushes.
- Off-peak services: Full service on electrified routes, often with M9s substituting in for M7 sets.
- Weekends: Frequent service on primary electrified lines, with some reduction.
- Schedules can be found on the MTA TrainTime app and the LIRR’s website, which will provide train numbers and types of equipment.
3. How to Spot an LIRR M9 Train
- You can quickly identify an M9 by these characteristics:
- Unique LED headlights and digital destination signs front and sides.
- Slippery stainless-steel body like M7 but with more contemporary door and window placement.
- Interior lighting is bright, with USB charging ports and digital displays above doors that highlight the next stop.
- Speak and read out loud messages with less distortion.
- Smoother, quieter ride and more room inside than earlier models.
LIRR M9 Schedule
The M9 trains do not have a separate public schedule — instead, they operate within the regular LIRR timetable.
Weekday M9 Service
- Morning Peak (Inbound to NYC):
- Regular M9 runs to the Ronkonkoma, Babylon, and Huntington branches.
- Trains leave from 5:00 am-9:30 am and deliver you to Penn Station/Madison Square Garden and Grand Central.
- Evening Peak (Outbound from NYC):
- Loads on the M9 between 4:00 PM and an7:30 PM are heavy, @LongIsl, and we’re serving your riders!
- Important stations served are Ronkonkoma, Babylon, Hicksville, Islip, and Huntington.
Weekend and Off-Peak Service M9
- M9 services run frequently enough, but less often than M7 trains.
- Common weekend M9 routes:
- Babylon ↔ Penn Station
- Ronkonkoma ↔ Grand Central Madison
- Port Washington ↔ Penn Station
How to Check Live M9 Schedules
For actual M9 train times and assignments, please use:
- MTA TrainTime App: Provides details on which type of train set (M7 or M9), pla, and car length are currently in use.
- lirr.website (Schedules): Downloaashrough a PDF by branch and time.
- Station Displays: At major stations, electronic signs reflect arrival times and scheduled train models.
Q: What are LIRR M9 trains?
A: The LIRR M9 is a new electric multiple-unit (EMU) railcar that was built by Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc. for use on the Long Island Rail Road. It is replacing the aging M3 fleet and features modern amenities, increased comfort, safety, and technology.
Q: Where do LIRR M9 trains operate?
A: M9 trains on electrified lines, including Babylon, Ronkonkoma, Huntington, Hempstead, Long Beach, and the Port Washington line that connect to major terminals like Penn Station and Grand Central Madison.
Q: What are some features that distinguish the M9 from older trains?
A: This is how it will be different (read nicer): M9 trains have LED lighting, digital information screens, USB charging ports, seats that are five inches wider than current cars on the line, quieter cabins, and better security cameras.
Q: What do passengers look for in an M9 train?
A: You can identify M9s by their smooth stainless-steel exterior, vivid LED destination signs, digital interior displays, and USB ports near seats — all of which are absent from older M3 trains.
Q: Are M9 trains faster or more reliable than older L.I.R.R. models?
A: M9 trains offer improved acceleration, enhanced braking systems, and energy-saving technology for a smoother, quieter, and more dependable ride throughout the LIRR system.