Metro-North sent a special rebranded train into Grand Central on Monday wrapped in patriotic colors and designs to honor U.S. vets for Veterans Day.
The latest rebranding marks the railroad’s eighth locomotive to be fitted as part of its Heritage Series, which kicked off in 2023 and highlights the railroad’s 42 years of service. The wrap, applied to locomotive No. 216, honors the service and sacrifice of U.S. veterans and was developed with direct input from Metro-North’s veteran workforce.
The Veterans Day train was unveiled on Monday during a ceremony at the North White Plains train station. The locomotive then headed into Grand Central for public display on Tuesday and Wednesday — before entering service at the end of the month.
“Metro-North is proud to recognize and honor the men and women who have served our country,” said Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek. “This locomotive represents our gratitude to the veterans who are part of our Metro-North family and to all who have worn the uniform.
“Their dedication, teamwork, and service reflect the very same values that drive our railroad every day.”
The process began with a system-wide survey of all veteran employees followed by the formation of a 12-member committee of veterans who tapped the final concept.
The selected design pays tribute to every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and features military uniform patches. All decals on the train, including the MTA and Metro-North logos, the locomotive numbers, and the Heritage Fleet emblem, have been reimagined as embroidered uniform patches.
The front of the locomotive is wrapped in a fabric-textured design resembling a U.S. flag with detailed stars, while each side of the car displays silhouettes of iconic military equipment such as the Navy’s transport dock ship USS New York, a Coast Guard Cutter, a Marine Corps Super Stallion, and an Army Blackhawk helicopter.
All locomotives included in the Heritage Series are currently in service on Metro-North’s Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines.
