MBTA battery-electric and diesel locomotives RFP seeks 20 units

MBTA battery-electric and diesel locomotives RFP documents a new procurement aimed at modernizing the agency’s commuter rail fleet and upgrading regional rail service. As reported by Trains, the Request for Proposals was released on Feb. 25 and covers battery-electric locomotives and Tier 4 diesel locomotives.

MBTA battery-electric and diesel locomotives RFP: what it includes

The procurement is being coordinated with the Maryland Transit Administration. For the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the RFP calls for 10 battery-electric locomotives and 10 Tier 4 diesel units to replace GP40 and F40 diesels. It also includes options for up to 50 additional units.

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Meanwhile, Maryland would receive five battery-electric locomotives to replace its HHP8 units in MARC service, with options for up to 23 more locomotives.

Also, bids are due June 10, and the contract is expected to be awarded this summer, as shown in the COMMBUYS bid solicitation.

“A modernized and reliable regional rail system has been talked about for a long time, and now we are taking action with this significant first step of procuring battery-electric locomotives,” Phillip Eng, MBTA general manager and interim Massachusetts DOT secretary, said in a press release. “… Critical to not only continuing to deliver the levels of service needed today, this procurement also helps us build a system that can meet the needs of future generations.”

Providence Line catenary infrastructure and early deployment plans

The battery-electric locomotives are intended for initial use on the commuter rail Providence Line, which has existing catenary infrastructure. For additional context on MBTA’s catenary-battery approach, see Railway Supply. At the same time, the Tier 4 diesel locomotives will be used on non-electrified lines across the network.

Said Gov. Maura Healey, “Battery electric trains mean quicker trips, quieter trains, and more reliable service, especially for the communities that depend on Regional Rail every day.”

Why MBTA is replacing GP40 and F40 diesels?

Still, according to MBTA, the new locomotives are expected to improve air quality and improve reliability by replacing aging equipment that is more prone to mechanical failures.

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