The latest addition to Metra’s locomotive fleet made its debut this fall—a like-new, remanufactured locomotive that promises to increase reliability and efficiency and decrease emissions and operating costs.
The new locomotive, an EMD SD70MAC that was improved and reconfigured for passenger use with refurbished, upgraded, or new components, was painted in heritage Regional Transportation Authority colors to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the RTA.
“We are excited to introduce this new locomotive for My Metra riders,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “This locomotive and others to follow will replace some of the oldest locomotives in our fleet, and we expect to see a significant increase in reliability and decrease in emissions.”
The remanufactured locomotives meet the EPA’s Tier 3 emissions standards. Replacing 42 of Metra’s current locomotives that are rated Tier 0+ with 42 Tier 3 locomotives will eliminate 61 tons of nitrous oxide emissions annually – the equivalent to taking 6,600 cars off the road.
The Metra Board of Directors approved a $70.9 million contract to purchase 15 of the remanufactured locomotives in January 2019. The remaining locomotives will be delivered approximately one per month starting in November. The contract with Progress Rail includes options to buy up to 27 additional locomotives.
Metra bought remanufactured locomotives instead of new ones primarily because it can buy more of them and replace a greater number of older models. One big improvement will be in the traction motors, which deliver the power generated by the diesel engine to the wheels. The remanufactured units have AC traction motors, which are far more durable and reliable than the DC traction motors in our older locomotives.