Patrick-Murray Administration Moves to Add New, More Reliable Locomotives to Commuter Rail Fleet

BOSTON - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - Continuing the Patrick-Murray Administration's commitment to strengthening transit service throughout the Commonwealth, the MassDOT Board of Directors today approved the purchase and/or lease of up to nine new commuter rail locomotives from the Utah Transit Authority (UTA). Once purchased and made ready for passenger service, this investment will mark the first time in 17 years that new locomotives will pull MBTA commuter rail trains.

"This agreement is just yet another sign of our commitment to improving service and reliability for the thousands of commuter rail customers who ride the rails to work or for travel every day," said Governor Deval Patrick.

"Approval of this agreement is another step forward as Governor Patrick and our Administration continues to fulfill high quality transportation reform for our commuter rail customers," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray.

Seeking to take advantage of UTA's surplus of new locomotives, the MBTA is negotiating with UTA to determine the exact number to be procured and through what process (lease, purchase, or combination). Built in compliance with MBTA requirements, the new locomotives are 'Commuter Rail-ready,' and will be in passenger service by this fall.

"Whether you ride on our roads or our rails, Governor Patrick and MassDOT are focused solely on improving the condition of our transportation infrastructure so it's safer and easier for people to get around," said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan.

Built earlier this year, the engines are 3600 horse power, diesel electric locomotives. Because the MBTA had an option on UTA's original 2005 procurement, the general construction of the locomotives is compliant with the MBTA's needs and requirements. The purchase cost for each locomotive is $3.5 million, which includes the modifications necessary to ensure that each locomotive is ready for immediate entry into the MBTA service fleet.

"This is a great opportunity for us to get some quick help for our aging fleet of locomotives," said MBTA General Manager Richard Davey. "As soon as these new locomotives arrive in the fall, we can put them into service immediately."

The operational benefits of adding these new locomotives to the T's fleet are immediate:

Improved reliability and on-time performance
Powerful locomotives can move large train sets running on high volume lines
More fuel efficient
Decreased emissions
Provides MBCR personnel with time necessary to make repairs/upgrades to older locomotives

Compared to the locomotives in the current fleet, the new engines burn less fuel and emit lower levels of nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons. It's estimated the T will save about $78,000 annually per locomotive because the new engines burn 36,500 fewer gallons of fuel each year. Employing new technology that makes the engines more fuel efficient and prevents unnecessary idling, the new locomotives reduce nitrogen oxide levels by 38 ½ tons per engine annually.

Whether acquired through purchase or lease, Utah Transit Authority will deliver all of the locomotives to the MBTA by the fall. All but 20% of the purchase will be funded by federal grants.