Wabtec hybrid locomotives approved for full use in New York subway system

PITTSBURGH — New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority has approved the use of new Wabtec battery-diesel hybrid locomotives for maintenance operations across its subway network, the manufacturer has announced.

The MTA ordered 25 of the R255 locomotives in 2020 to replace diesel locomotives built in the 1960s and ’70s; to date, four have been delivered, beginning in May and June of 2024. They underwent a comprehensive series of acceptance tests addressing safety, performance, interoperability, and reliability, including a test with two locomotives operating a full load of maintenance cars over the Manhattan bridge.

“The success and strong performance in the testing are a testament to our collaborative effort with the MTA to design and build the hybrid locomotives,” Alan Hamilton, Wabtec vice president of engineering, said in a press release. “These locomotives are tailored to the unique needs of MTA’s subway maintenance operations. The hybrids feature ruggedized battery pack technology designed for the demanding rail environment. This solution provides the MTA with the flexibility and features to conduct the maintenance work efficiently and sustainably.”

The locomotives can reduce or in some cases eliminate fuel emissions during subway construction and maintenance, especially during extended periods at a site. The approximately 500-kilowatt-hour locomotives can work in battery mode for up to eight hours, and can move trains through work sites where third-rail power is turned off for safety reasons.

The units feature internal and external cameras, as well as a digital video recorder, to capture images of track, lineside assets, and signal equipment. They also feature onboard monitoring and diagnostic systems to support preventative and other locomotive maintenance.

The MTA order includes an option for up to 45 additional units.

— Updated at 10:40 a.m. with number of locomotives delivered to date.