MTA's Powerful New Vacuum Train Gets Everything (Including Rats)

In the evenings, after the rush hours, the MTA has been running a custom made, 600 horse power vacuum train called the VakTrak, which crawls along at 5 to 10 MPH devouring everything in its path.

"To my knowledge this is the most modern vacuum train in the world, currently," said Anton Debasquale, an MTA project manager who's been responsible for ensuring the customized train makes it from concept to tracks.

The train is built in France, costs $7.6 million, runs on diesel fuel and has near zero emissions.

Listen to WNYC's Stephen Nessen discuss the VakTrak:

All along the bottom of one train are various suction hoods that hoover up debris and separates the dust from the garbage. Another car behind, known as the filter car, stores the garbage like a giant vacuum cleaner bag, which is dumped at various points along the way. The train can carry 14 cubic yards of debris.

The filter only needs to be changed every three years.

Video showing the VakTrak in action

What makes this vacuum train different than the two older vacuum cars the MTA already has is its ability to clean a station in one pass. The old ones had to go back and forth two or three times to get the same level of cleanliness.

This VakTrak, which is stored at the Coney Island yards during the day, has been in use since July. And Debasquale said it can scoop up pretty much everything. But does it do pest control?

"Usually the rats are too smart to get sucked up by the vacuum train, but it has happened in the past when we got dead rats," he said. The live ones usually get away, while the ones they do get are DOA.

The MTA has two more of these VakTrak trains expected to be in use next year.

Debasquale said the train is contributing to the decline in track fires caused by trash. And hopefully, with less trash and food, there'll be fewer rats too.