BOSTON—The MBTA is getting up to nine new commuter rail engines.
The locomotives will either be bought or leased from the Utah Transit Authority, and will mark the first time in 17 years that new locomotives will pull commuter trains.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority said in a statement Wednesday the pending deal should improve service and reliability for commuters, while also cutting fuel costs. And 80 percent of the price will be funded by federal grants.
The engines are 3,600 horsepower, diesel electric locomotives.
The purchase price is $3.5 million each.
The MBTA had an option on an original 2005 procurement in Utah, so the locomotives are compliant with the MBTA's needs.
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