First Metrolink F125 locomotive unveiled in Los Angeles

Southern California locomotive commuter rail operator Metrolink unveiled its first EMD F125 diesel locomotive at Los Angeles Union Station on July 18. The F125 is compliant with the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 4 emissions standards and will reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 85%.

Metrolink became the first commuter rail agency in the U.S. to buy Tier 4 locomotives when it placed an order with EMD for 20 F125s in June 2013.

Funding was provided through the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (SCAQMD) Carl Moyer Program and the State of California’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Programme (TIRCP).

SCAQMD has approved $74.9 million to Metrolink with an additional $36 million to be considered in future requests. $41.2 million was provided from TIRCP and an additional $2.7 million was added by the Low Carbon Transit Operations Programme (LCTOP).

The first F125s are due to enter service with Metrolink at the end of this year.