Metrolink showcased its first Tier 4 train at Union Station in Los Angeles on Monday, the first train since Metrolink made its commission of Tier 4 trains for about $280 million back in 2013. The plan is to replace a number of Metrolink’s fleet with a maximum of 40 Tier 4 trains over the next few years.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) provided the majority of funding for the trains while further contributions from other entities that may include member agencies such as Metro and OCTA will address the rest of the funds. Since 2013, SCAQMD’s Carl Moyer Program has provided $74.85 million to Metrolink’s plan with future considerations and TIRCP has given $41.2 million. The Low Carbon Transit Operations Program also provided $2.7 million.
Spokespersons from each of the major contributors congratulated Metrolink. SCAQMD Chairman William A. Burke commended Metrolink’s plan, stating that “cleaner locomotives…will benefit the health of the 17 million residents in our region.” California Transportation Agency Secretary Brian Kelly also congratulated Metrolink and praised TIRCP for its contributions.
The Tier 4 trains are manufactured in Indiana and plan to address California legislation’s air quality objectives with an 85% reduction in particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions. They will meet federal Tier 4 emission standards set by EPA are also expected to improve efficiency by adding 57% more horsepower.
Southern Californians can anticipate the first Tier 4 trains in operation beginning later this year, gradually increasing in number to full capacity in 2017.
Featured image courtesy Metrolink.