CN adds 60 locos to GE order

CN has added 60 units to its initial 200-unit order of GE Transportation Tier 4 Evolution™ Series locomotives placed in December 2017. All the CN locomotives are being produced at the GE Manufacturing Solutions facility in Fort Worth, Tex.

The locomotives are equipped with GE Transportation’s GoLINC™ Platform, Trip Optimizer™ System and Distributed Power LOCOTROL® eXpanded Architecture “to maximize train effectiveness and efficiency,” GE said. “These solutions are part of GE Transportation’s Train Performance product suite, which optimizes power distribution, train handling, brake control and fuel utilization. The new purchase also includes a multi-year service agreement that supports CN’s long-term operational needs.”

“With strong demand across our business, we continue to invest for the long haul with these locomotives that further expand the reliability and size of our fleet,” said CN President and CEO JJ Ruest. “With expanded infrastructure and new equipment, we are giving our industry-leading transportation team the tools they need to provide higher levels of service with greater operating efficiency.”

“This agreement will expand on our valued relationship with CN,” said GE Transportation President and CEO Rafael Santana. “Our Tier 4 technology will further increase CN’s productivity and reliability and help them grow in the resurgent North American segment. We are proud to partner with CN to meet their future needs and drive further efficiency into their freight rail operations.”

GE Transportation will be acquired by Wabtec Corp. in an $11.1 billion deal approved by both company’s boards on May 21, 2018. Santa is slated to become President of Wabtec’s Freight Division. The transaction’s final closure is expected in early 2019, subject to regulatory and closure conditions.