Community Corner

First of 40 New MBTA Commuter Rail Locomotives Ready to Ride

Inaugural run planned for the Haverhill line on Wednesday morning.

At 10 a.m. Wednesday morning, the first of 40 new Commuter Rail locomotives goes into service on the Haverhill Line.

The MBTA says it’s procuring 40 new environmentally-friendly, diesel-electric locomotives to replace existing ones between 35 and 40 years old.  Each will be rigorously tested and placed into service throughout the MBTA’s 12 Commuter Rail lines as they arrive through summer of 2015, allowing for the oldest equipment to be decommissioned.

The first new train is set to go into service Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. at North Station’s Commuter Rail Platform, Track 10.   

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MotivePower, Inc. was awarded the contract in August of 2010. The company designed and built it at their facility in Boise, Idaho  for a total contract value of $222 million. MBTA officials say the new trains will be easily recognizable by their distinctive new look. They also feature modern amenities including new communication systems and improvements to passenger comfort.

The MBTA says the 40 new locomotives are compliant with current EPA Emission Standards and will help reduce carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter. Their engines are considerably more fuel efficient than the MBTA’s older equipment with GE predicting up to a 6% increase in fuel efficiency. This is estimated to result in approximately 10,000 gallons of fuel saved per locomotive per year, resulting in an annual savings of more than $1 million.

Find out what's happening in Charlestownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The new train is set to go into service on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. at North Stations’ Commuter Rail Platform, Track 10.   


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