MTA’s Charger Locomotives: Rail Innovation on Metro-North Hudson Line

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Introduction

On September 22, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) introduced the first of its new 4,200-horsepower, dual-mode Charger locomotives on the Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line. Siemens Mobility Inc. is manufacturing the locomotives, with deliveries of the remaining units scheduled through 2027.

New Locomotive Deployment

The new locomotives, which can operate on electric power for the entire 102 miles of Metro-North’s third rail territory, offer a significant improvement over the current fleet. The existing fleet is limited to electric power operation only within the tunnels leading to and from Grand Central Terminal, New York City. The shift to electric power is projected to decrease airborne pollutants by 85%.

Locomotive Procurement

The MTA placed an order for 27 Charger locomotives in 2021. The procurement was funded through the MTA’s 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 capital plans, with support from the Federal Transit Administration.

GCRTA Rail Car Purchase

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s (GCRTA) board approved on September 23 the exercise of a contract option for up to six new rail cars from Siemens Mobility. This purchase is part of a larger contract.

Contract Details and Funding

The approved purchase supports the fulfillment of the total $450 million contract for 60 Siemens Model S200 rail cars. The contract also includes infrastructure modifications, railroad connections, engineering, testing, training, field support, spare parts, and special tooling. Funding for the rail car purchase was provided by the Federal Transportation Administration, the Ohio Department of Transportation, Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency, and the GCRTA.

Conclusion

The MTA has introduced a new locomotive, and the GCRTA has approved the purchase of additional rail cars from Siemens Mobility. The MTA’s new locomotives will be delivered through 2027. The GCRTA’s purchase is part of a larger contract for 60 rail cars.

Company Summary

Siemens Mobility Inc.: Located in Sacramento, California, Siemens Mobility Inc. manufactures the new Charger locomotives and rail cars for the MTA and GCRTA, respectively.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA): The MTA has ordered and deployed new Charger locomotives for its Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line.

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA): The GCRTA’s board voted to procure rail cars from Siemens Mobility.

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