Florida-based CSX, a rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services company, recently signed a $670 million order with Pennsylvania-based Wabtec Corp., a rail technology company, to upgrade CSX’s fleet.
The order includes 100 new Evolution Series locomotives, 50 modernized locomotives, and a suite of digital solutions and services designed to support more efficient locomotive operations. Evolution Series locomotives are designed to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining performance for long-haul and heavy-duty operations.
The order also includes converting the company’s D9 locomotives from DC to AC traction. The conversions will extend the locomotives’ service life, improve fleet standardization, and enable the use of advanced control and diagnostic technologies as well as improve fuel efficiency, tractive effort, and reliability.
“CSX’s fleet modernization initiative underscores its strong commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and delivering reliable customer service,” Rogerio Mendonca, Wabtec Freight Equipment president, said. “Our unique partnership supports CSX’s strategic approach to long term fleet planning. By combining new and modernized locomotives with our industry-proven digital solutions, we expect to continue supporting improvements in fuel performance, operational efficiency, and reliability across CSX’s rail operations.”
Delivery of the Evolution Series locomotives is expected to begin later this year with deliveries of the modernized locomotives beginning next year.