The North County Transit District (NCTD) Board of Directors signed off on the replacement of five locomotives last month, swapping out decades-old machines for newer Siemens models.
The new locomotives purchased should improve efficiency and be better suited to modern local and state sustainability goals. Siemens noted that these machines cut emissions by 90 percent compared to their older counterparts and reduce fuel consumption by 16 percent. They are diesel-electric models and will be purchased as part of a joint procurement agreement with the California and Illinois Departments of Transportation. By working cooperatively, the partners reduce the procurement costs overall.
“These new locomotives will help support our mission to provide reliable public transportation to passengers throughout San Diego County,” Bill Horn, an NCTD board member and county supervisor for the 5th District, said. “In addition to increased reliability, they will also incorporate new technologies that release lower emissions and will improve air quality in the region.”
The locomotives being replaced were built between 1975 and 1992. Once the new locomotives arrive, the NCTD intends to add another 36 trips each week for their current schedule, beginning in 2021.