The Metra Board of Directors approved a plan on Feb. 17 that will deliver six new low-emission switch locomotives and the railroad’s first zero-emission locomotive. Metra will soon issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the purchase of six switch locomotives that at minimum meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Tier IV standards, the highest emission standards currently in effect. The RFP will also seek to purchase one zero-emission, all electric-powered switch engine. Metra notes the effort represents a significant step forward in its goal of reducing the railroad’s carbon footprint by reducing diesel emissions and meeting the highest federal emission standards.
“At Metra, we’ve always prided ourselves on providing our customers with safe and reliable service that’s good for the environment,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director James M. Derwinski. “Now, with funding provided through the state of Illinois bond program, we’re taking advantage of the latest technology to do even more to reduce pollution in northeast Illinois.”
Metra explains switch locomotives are a railroad’s behind-the-scenes workhorses, used to move equipment around the railroad and within yard facilities. The seven new switch engines planned for this procurement will be replacing locomotives that first went into railroad service between 50 and 82 years ago. With the plan to purchase equipment that meets the EPA’s Tier IV emissions or better, as well as to purchase the railroad’s first all-electric locomotive, Metra will reduce emissions, reduce fuel consumption, improve reliability and lower maintenance costs.
The zero-emission, all-electric locomotive would be the first in Metra’s fleet. This switcher represents new technology that Metra plans to test for its ability to perform under the demands of a real-world operating environment and Chicago’s sometimes extreme weather conditions. Success of the project could influence future procurements.
