MBTA taps MotivePower for new locomotives
Written by Douglas John BowenMassachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's Board of Directors has committed $38 million to acquire seven new locomotives from MotivePower, Inc., with 80% of the purchase price funded by federal sources.
Boise, Idaho-based MotivePower previously was awarded a $115 million contract from MBTA for 20 locomotives, expected to arrive for service this year and during 2013. The seven locomotives ordered by MBTA Wednesday will follow thereafter.
MBTA also approved $115 million Wednesday to overhaul 74 double-deck passenger cars, all of which are at least 20 years old.
“Locomotives are key to reliable service and on-time performance. [That is] what we’re dealing with most on a day to day to basis, to keep very old equipment running,” MBTA Acting General Manager Jonathan R. Davis told local media. “We also need to reinvest in some of our older coaches in order to upgrade those . . . for our customers’ comfort.”
MotivePower, Inc. is a subsidiary of Wilmerding, Pa.-based Wabtec Corp.
