The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) board has unanimously approved the acquisition of 20 new Siemens Charger locomotives. The order consists of 10 Tier 4 diesel-hybrid units and 10 dual-mode battery-electric trains. These vehicles are intended to replace aging fleet equipment, including GP40 models over 50 years old and F40 models exceeding 30 years of service.
The total cost of the procurement is $310.4 million, funded through a mix of state and federal sources, including a $200 million transfer from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The contract also includes an option for the purchase of additional locomotives, though specific terms for this provision were not disclosed during the board meeting.
Delivery of the new fleet is scheduled to commence in 2029, with all 20 units expected to be operational by the end of 2030. The transition to battery-electric units will require adjustments to existing cab car control systems, a process that will involve coordination with engineering teams and labor unions during the design review phase.
Siemens has previously supplied 440 Charger-series hybrid and battery-electric locomotives to various global operators. The MBTA move addresses the immediate need for fleet modernization, as 13 of the current GP40 locomotives have surpassed their functional lifespan, and the remaining F40 units are projected to reach their end-of-life status between 2029 and 2035.
