Metra to buy low-emission switch locomotives

Chicago's Metra plans to purchase seven new low-emission switch locomotives, including a zero-emission electric-powered unit.

Metra's board approved a plan to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the purchase of six switch locomotives that at a minimum meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 4 standards.

The RFP, which will be issued soon, also will call for purchasing one zero-emission, all electric-powered switch engine, Metra officials said in a press release. The effort is a step forward in Metra’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint by reducing diesel emissions and meeting the highest federal emission standards, they said.

The zero-emission all-electric locomotive would be the first in Metra’s fleet.