USA: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has granted its approval to launch the MotivePower R255 locomotives.
This followed a series of tests undertaken by the first four vehicles in last March-June.
The MotivePower R255 is powered by a 500 kW Tier 4 engine by Cummins and 500 kW·h batteries. When in battery mode, the locomotives can operate within confined work zones for up to eight hours. The vehicles also feature CCTV and diagnostics systems.
The $233 mln contract, inked in 2020, envisages a supply of 25 such locomotives. It also includes an option for a further 45 units. The new rolling stock is designed to conduct maintenance work and to replace diesel locomotives, produced in 1966–1977. The vehicles are manufactured at the Wabtec plant in Erie, PA.