MBTA bumps locomotive order to 40 units
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefMotivePower, a unit of Wabtec Corp., has signed a contract with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to supply 13 additional, next-generation HSP46 passenger locomotives to be delivered in 2014. The locomotives, which will be compliant with EPA Tier 3 and FTA Buy America, are manufactured in Boise, Idaho, with major components supplied by GE Transportation of Erie, Pa.
The new contract follows previous orders for 27 locomotives and is valued at over $70 million including training, manuals, and spare parts. GE has worked closely with MotivePower on design, integration and testing. Major components supplied by GE from its Erie and Grove City, Pa., facilities include GEVO-12 diesel engines, static-inverter head-end power systems, computer control systems, and individual-axle a.c. traction systems. Major Wabtec components include FastBrake® electronic air brakes, air compressors, event recorders, tread brake units, brake shoes, aftercoolers, and radiators.
“The new HSP46 design provides dramatically improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and lower life-cycle costs compared to MBTA’s existing locomotives,” said Wabtec Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Albert J. Neupaver. “Commuter rail agencies across North America demand safe, reliable, cost-effective and environmentally responsible service, and locomotive power is a key ingredient. These next-generation locomotives, which include a.c. traction propulsion and remotely monitored onboard diagnostics technologies, should serve MBTA customers well for many years to come and provide the foundation for higher-speed rail corridors of the future.”
GE Transportation CEO Lorenzo Simonelli said, “GE is proud to partner with MotivePower to deliver to the MBTA the next generation of advanced passenger locomotives to meet the needs of the greater Boston region’s vibrant transportation system. These high-performance locomotives will provide the reliability that commuters demand, while being more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly.”
