Transportation Agencies in California, Illinois and Maryland Invest More Than $230M Under Multi-State Rail Procurement

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) have ordered a total of 34 diesel-electric Charger locomotives from Siemens.  The agencies leveraged options under the multi-state passenger rail locomotive procurement - originally signed in March 2014 - to replace older locomotives at a volume discount.

Caltrans will add 14 diesel electric Charger locomotives for its Pacific Surfliner Amtrak route, IDOT will add 12Charger locomotives to its fleet and the MTA will introduce eight of the Charger locomotives to its MARC Train service.

“With these new state-of-the art, energy efficient Charger locomotives, California can continue its goal to offer more alternative and sustainable transportation choices,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “Not only will these new engines promote increased passenger rail ridership, but they will have environmental benefits by reducing the amount of automobile traffic.”

“Approval of this contract enables us to replace older locomotives, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of MARC for thousands of commuters, businesses and tourists that depend on this vital train service every day,” said MTA Administrator Paul Comfort. “This cooperative agreement also enabled us to purchase these eight new locomotives at a lower cost, which will save taxpayers money.”

The Charger locomotives will be built at Siemens’ rail manufacturing plant in Sacramento, Calif. The plant, which has been in operation for nearly 30 years, sources up to 80 percent of its energy from two megawatts of solar energy and currently employs over 800 people. 

“We’re proud to be a technology partner for California, Illinois and Maryland, and we look forward to delivering energy-efficient, diesel-electric locomotives that will help modernize their fleets and provide enhanced mobility for the traveling public,” said Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Rolling Stock.

The new passenger locomotives are designed to operate at speeds up to 125 miles per hour and will comply with the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) stipulated Tier IV emission standards. The locomotives also will be FRA and Federal Transit Administration Buy America compliant with parts produced by suppliers across the United States.  This includes Siemens’ traction motors and gearboxes in Norwood, Ohio, and propulsion containers in Alpharetta, Ga.

The locomotives will be powered by 16-cylinder, 95-liter displacement, 4,400 horsepower rated diesel engines  built by Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, Ind. Siemens has established a comprehensive and diverse base of U.S. suppliers across the country that currently provides parts for all of Siemens’ U.S. passenger rail vehicle production.

A state-of-the-art microprocessor control system manages the performance of the locomotive, performs self-diagnosis, makes self-corrective action and notifies the locomotive engineer and the maintenance facility of any required service. In addition, there are redundant systems to ensure consistent performance and availability such as power for the passenger coaches to maintain primary systems such as lighting, communications, heating and cooling amongst others. The locomotive’s carbody structure meets the latest federal rail safety regulations, providing additional operator protection.

The new high-speed diesel-electric locomotives will help operators achieve cost savings by reducing trip times, while improving reliability and efficiency for its passenger rail service.

The original 2014 multi-state passenger rail locomotive procurement order by the Departments of Transportation in Illinois, California, Michigan, Missouri and Washington, with a volume worth USD 225 million, included the delivery of 35 diesel-electric passenger locomotives and included an option for up to an additional 222 locomotives.