MotivePower to supply another 13 locomotives to MBTA

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has ordered an additional 13 next-generation HSP46 passenger locomotives from Wabtec Corp.'s MotivePower Inc.

To be delivered in 2014, the units will be Tier 3-compliant, and will feature better fuel efficiency, lower emissions and reduced lifecycle costs compared with MBTA's existing locomotives, according to a Wabtec press release. The $70 million contract follows MBTA's previous order for 27 locomotives, and includes training, manuals and spare parts.

The units will be manufactured in Boise, Idaho, with major components supplied by GE Transportation, which has worked with MotivePower to design, integrate and test the initial round of locomotives. GE will provide components such as diesel engines, head-end power systems, computer control systems and individual-axle AC traction systems.

MotivePower will equip the locomotives with its FastBrake® electronic air brakes, air compressors, event recorders, tread brake units, brake shoes, aftercoolers and radiators.