Wabtec inks $97 million contract to build Tier 4 locomotives for Metrolinx

Wabtec Corp. announced yesterday that its subsidiary MotivePower signed a $97 million contract with Ontario's Metrolinx to build 16 locomotives compliant with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Tier 4 emission standards.

Delivery of the units is expected to begin in 2017, Wabtec officials said in a press release.

Meanwhile, MotivePower delivered a prototype Tier 4 locomotive to Metrolinx.

The unit marks the first commuter locomotive delivered in North America that's been certified to meet Tier 4 emission standards, Wabtec officials said in a press release.

Originally built by MotivePower five years ago, the prototype was repowered with new engines to meet the EPA standards. The technology reduces diesel particulate emissions by 85 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 75 percent compared to the locomotive's original Tier 2 configuration.

The locomotive is powered by twin Cummins QSK60 diesel engines that produce up to 5,400 horsepower for traction and auxiliary train power. The engines meet Tier 4 requirements using integrated selective catalytic reduction exhaust after-treatment technology, which removes nitrogen oxides from the exhaust stream, Wabtec officials said.

"This model demonstrates our ability to provide the latest technology, in keeping with our mission to help customers improve their safety, productivity and efficiency," said Wabtec President and Chief Executive Officer Raymond Betler.

To learn more about other Tier 4 locomotive builders, read this article from Progressive Railroading's January issue.