Boston, MA --- As part of its commitment to building a healthier and more reliable public transit system, the MBTA today announced it has launched a Request for Proposals to purchase up to 40 new diesel electric passenger locomotives. The majority of funding for the locomotives is expected to come from federal grants. In a move that will improve public health along commuter rail corridors, the procurement permits the MBTA to replace the oldest and least environmentally friendly vehicles with a more reliable and environmentally cleaner fleet. 
 
Dedicated to procuring the most technologically advanced, cost-effective commuter rail equipment, transportation officials are encouraging every available manufacturer to competitively bid this work. 
 
“We will ensure this investment captures modern technology that promotes a fuel efficient, low-emission locomotive beneficial to the environment, and the customers we serve,” said Transportation Secretary James A. Aloisi, Jr.  “The purchase of diesel electric locomotives will meet our responsibility to our customers and residents of Massachusetts to improve reliability and abide by necessary environmental and public health standards.”  
 
Presently, the T commuter rail fleet consists of 410 coaches including 140 bi-level and 270 single coaches and 80 locomotive units.  The fleet ranges in age from 29 to 7 years of age.  Commuter rail service carries approximately 74,000 customers each weekday.   

The MBTA anticipates that 80% of the cost of the locomotives will be funded through Federal Transit Administration grants and a 20% match from the MBTA's Capital Investment Program.

Proposal documents are available at the MBTA Materials Management Directorate, Room 2810, Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston.