Caltrans unveils new Amtrak Pacific Surfliner locomotives

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency yesterday introduced new locomotives to the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service at L.A. Union Station.

Manufactured by Siemens in Sacramento, the 14 Charger locomotives have received the Tier IV emissions certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, making the Charger one of the cleanest diesel-electric passenger locomotives in operation, state and local transportation officials said in a press release.

The vehicles will power the next generation of Pacific Surfliner trains between San Diego, Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo.

"The production and delivery of new locomotives and rail cars does more than provide an environmentally friendly way to travel around the state," said Brian Annis, secretary of the California State Transportation Agency. "It also directly employs more Californians in well-paid jobs, while indirectly generating more jobs throughout the state's economy."

Caltrans funded the locomotives with $100 million in state, federal and local funds. The units will replace Amtrak-owned locomotives that are nearly 20 years old.