MTA Metro-North Railroad received an award this week at the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) TRANSform Conference & EXPO at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Metro-North Railroad was awarded in the Innovation category for harnessing 3D printing technology and bringing the design process in-house. 3D printing has allowed the agency to better keep up with the rate of technological change while working with an aging train fleet. Previously, Metro-North utilized steel prototyping which is costly in labor and time. 3D printing has allowed the railroad to rapidly prototype, test, and fit designs eliminating fees and reducing unnecessary sample testing, which has led to increased labor and cost efficiencies.

“All of us at Metro-North are proud of our team’s innovative approach to tackling the most pressing challenges facing public transportation,” said Metro-North Railroad President and LIRR Interim President Catherine Rinaldi. “I’m honored that APTA has recognized the hard work that Metro-North has done to develop new and creative ways to provide the best and most reliable service possible for the country’s busiest operating region.”

APTA also recognized the MTA at this year’s national conference by asking MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber to deliver a featured address and participate in a question-and-answer session with Dorval Carter Jr., President of the Chicago Transit Authority and immediate past Chair of APTA, on Monday, Oct. 9. To read a transcript of Chair Lieber’s remarks, please click here.