The MBTA unveiled a newly purchased locomotive during a ceremony at South Station in Boston on Monday. The locomotive is the first new purchase in the last 23 years.
Two years ago, the MBTA announced that it will not buy new locomotives for the commuter rail service due to financial difficulties and problems with the two companies that were competing for the contract.
The newly purchased diesel-electric locomotive is one of two new trains obtained from the Utah Transit Authority, MBTA officials said.
The new locomotive addition is one of the ways the MBTA is trying to improve the commuter rail service, which has been recently plagued by delays and breakdowns due to the harsh winter.
According to officials, the new locomotive’s engine is more fuel-efficient and prevents unnecessary idling. Also, the new locomotives will reduce air pollutant levels by 20 tons per engine annually, officials said.
A recent press release stated that existing locomotives burn 228,000 gallons of fuel per year each, resulting in the release of 241 tons of pollutants. The new locomotives will burn about 36,500 less gallons of fuel while generating more horsepower, thus resulting in energy savings of about $78,000 a year per locomotive.
More train purchases are to be expected, since last June, the MassDOT Board of Directors approved the purchase of 20 additional diesel-electric locomotives from Motive Power Inc. of Boise, Idaho at a cost of $114 million. The 20 new locomotives are expected to be brought into service in 2013 as replacements for the 20 oldest units in the fleet.
As Boston accident lawyers, we would like to remind all motorists, motorcyclists, truck drivers, and especially pedestrians, to be extra cautious when approaching train tracks. Even if you are confident that a train is not approaching a crossing, this is not enough to be sure you are safe to cross without using caution. Always check both ways before approaching to cross train tracks and only do so in designated crossing areas.
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