Prototype MP54AC delivered to Metrolinx, GO Transit
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefWabtec Corp. subsidiary MotivePower has delivered a prototype MP54AC diesel-electric locomotive to Metrolinx, the regional transportation authority for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), for service on GO Transit. This is the first regional/commuter locomotive delivered in North America certified to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 emissions standards.
MotivePower has also signed a $97 million contract with Metrolinx to build an additional 16 MP54ACs, bringing the total order to 26. Delivery of the additional 16 is expected to begin in 2017.
The MP54AC is a repower of existing GO Transit MP40PH-3C locomotives utilizing twin Tier 4 Locomotive-certified Cummins QSK60 engines that produce up to 5,400 hp for traction power and HEP (head end power). The QSK60 meets Tier 4 requirements using integrated SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) exhaust after-treatment technology, which removes NOx from the exhaust stream, enabling reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency. The technology reduces diesel particulate emissions by about 85% and NOx emissions by about 75%, compared to the locomotive’s original Tier 2 configuration. The twin-engine setup provides for redundancy of major systems and flexibility of operation during off-peak periods, where running just one of the engines can provide significant fuel savings on shorter trains.
MotivePower originally built the MP40PH-3C used for the prototype MP54AC about five years ago for GO Transit.
“MotivePower has a long history of building commuter locomotives for the North American market,” said Wabtec President and CEO Raymond T. Betler. This model demonstrates our ability to provide the latest technology, in keeping with our mission to help customers improve their safety, productivity and efficiency.”
“Cummins is pleased to partner with MotivePower and Metrolinx to bring the first Tier 4-certified commuter locomotive to North America,” said Cummins General Manager-Global Rail and Defense Business Melina Kennedy.
