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Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) recently took delivery of its first bimodal locomotive, which is designed to run on either diesel or electricity.

The Montreal agency has ordered a total of 20 bimodal locomotives from Bombardier Transportation to upgrade rolling stock, add motive power for additional departures and bring the Train de l’Est service on line. Units will be delivered at a rate of about one per month.

Built in Hamburg, Germany, the ALP-45 locomotives will pull trains through the Mount Royal tunnel, helping to reduce commuting time for certain suburban lines, according to AMT. The motive power will enable the agency to standardize its rolling stock, make operations more flexible and adaptable, and improve service reliability, AMT officials said in a prepared statement.

“The acquisition of these all-new locomotives will open the door for some clear improvements throughout greater Montreal’s commuter train network," said AMT President and Chief Executive Officer outlined Joël Gauthier. “Combined with the deployment of 160 double-decker passenger cars, these new bimodal locomotives will increase the rush-hour capacity of AMT commuter trains by 70 percent and make it possible to add as many as 43,000 commutes per day.”

In August 2008, AMT became the first passenger-rail agency in Canada to acquire bimodal locomotives, according to AMT. After a request for proposals was issued jointly with New Jersey Transit, the 20-engine order was awarded to Bombardier. The contract includes options for up to 10 more locomotives.