Thursday, July 15, 2010

MBTA New Commuter Rail Locomotive Purchase

Local commuters on the Franklin Line will have some light at the end of the tunnel for better service in 2013.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

MBTA New Commuter Rail Locomotive Purchase

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 7/15/10

MBTA Commuter Train The MBTA Board of Directors has approved the purchase of 20 new diesel electric locomotives for commuter rail service.  The $114.6 million contract with Motive Power Inc. of Boise, Idaho will deliver the new locomotives beginning in 2013.

The acquisition of new locomotives is a high priority for the MBTA and is a critical element in improving commuter rail performance and service. 

The MBTA operates a fleet of 80 revenue service locomotives, the oldest of which were manufactured between 1978 and 1980.  Overhauled in 1989, these locomotives were programmed for retirement in 2005.  The purchase will allow the MBTA to remove the 20 oldest and least reliable locomotives from service, eliminating associated armature and traction motor failures. 
In addition to realizing increased reliability, the MBTA will significantly reduce locomotive emissions.  The new units will be required to meet "Tier 3" emission standards as regulated by the EPA.  Advancing the delivery of this cleaner technology will reduce fuel consumption by approximately 730,000 gallons per year and will reduce the following in emissions per year; particulate Matter – 26 tons, Hydrocarbons – 38 tons, and Oxides of Nitrogen – by 924 tons.  The reduction in fuel consumption will save an estimated $1.5 million annually.  Visit MBTA on the web to learn more and purchase commuter rail tickets.

Things you can do from here:



New MBTA trains to be added to Framingham, Franklin lines


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