Amtrak announced Monday that 14 new, environmentally friendly diesel-electric passenger locomotives are now in operation on the Pacific Surfliner route in Southern California.
The Siemens Charger locomotives, manufactured in Sacramento, now power the majority of Surfliner trains between San Diego and San Luis Obispo.
The new equipment has received stringent Tier IV emissions certification from the Environmental Protection and is 90 percent cleaner than the 20-year-old locomotives they replaced.
“We have a commitment to enhancing our passengers’ experience as well as being good neighbors in the communities we serve. This new locomotive helps to fulfill both of these goals,” said Al Murray, chairman of the LOSSAN Agency, which oversees the Pacific Surfliner service.
The new locomotive fleet cost $100 million and was funded by Caltrans.
The North Country Transit District has announced plans to buy the same locomotives for its Coaster trains that run between Oceanside and San Diego.
