MBTA launches first of new fuel-efficient locomotives

During an event held yesterday at the Boston North Station, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) General Manager Beverly Scott welcomed the first of 40 new commuter-rail locomotives as it was placed into service on the Haverhill Line.

MBTA is procuring 40 new diesel-electric locomotives to replace its existing fleet, which is 35 to 40 years old. Each new locomotive will be rigorously tested and placed into service throughout MBTA's 12 commuter-rail lines as they arrive through the summer of 2015, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) officials said in a blog posted on the department's website.

MBTA awarded a $222 million contract to MotivePower Inc. (MPI) for the locomotive procurement in August 2010. Designed and built at MPI's plant in Boise, Idaho, the new locomotives are compliant with current Environmental Protection Agency emission standards.

The new vehicle's fuel efficiency will help MBTA save about 10,000 gallons of fuel per locomotive per year, resulting in more than $1 million in annual savings, MassDOT officials said.