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Metrolink's first Tier 4 locomotive yesterday left the Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) facility in Muncie, Ind., for Los Angeles.

Designed to reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 85 percent, the new unit is expected to arrive in L.A. by rail in about two weeks, Metrolink officials said in a press release.

The commuter railroad's long-term fleet plan calls for adding up to 40 new Tier 4 locomotives at a cost of $280 million. Funding for the units has been provided through the South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) Carl Moyer Program and California's Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program.

The remaining cost will be paid for by Metrolink member agency contributions and other subsidies.

In the past year, SCAQMD approved $74.85 million in Carl Moyer Program allocations to Metrolink, with an additional $36 million to be considered in future requests. The California State Transportation Agency provided $41.2 million toward the cost of the new units.

The new locomotives will be compliant with the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 emissions standards and have up to 57 percent more horsepower, Metrolink officials said.