08
October
2018
|
01:59 AM
America/Los_Angeles

Metrolink Honored by SCAQMD for Low-Emissions Tier-4 Locomotives

Summary
Today, Metrolink was honored with the Model Community Achievement Award by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) for the purchase of 40 Tier-4 locomotives, which reduce emissions by 85 percent and provide 57 percent more horsepower compared to older locomotives.

LOS ANGELES – Today, Metrolink was honored with the Model Community Achievement Award by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) for the purchase of 40 Tier-4 locomotives, which reduce emissions by 85 percent and provide 57 percent more horsepower compared to older locomotives.

The award was presented at the 30th Annual Clean Air Awards at the L.A. Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

“Metrolink’s acquisition of clean technology locomotives creates a more sustainable future for our region’s economy, its riders and the communities it serves,” said Wayne Nastri, executive officer of the South Coast Air Quality Management District. “By implementing clean technology innovations, Metrolink’s efforts will help the region move closer to achieving cleaner air in Southern California.”

Metrolink is the first passenger rail service in the nation to operate Tier-4 clean air locomotives.

“It is gratifying to receive this award in recognition of the continued efforts by all our member agencies,” said Metrolink Board Chair Andrew Kotyuk. “Tier-4 locomotives are the cleanest running passenger locomotives in the U.S. and compared to our oldest locomotives, they reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxides equivalent to 13.75 tons of emissions per year, which is like removing 783 passenger vehicles every year.”

Purchasing the new locomotives was a collaborative effort by Metrolink, regional agencies, member agencies, elected officials and community members.

The total project cost of $280 million was largely funded from the SCAQMD through the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program, which granted funding of $110 million. Additional funds were provided by state ($132 million), federal ($21 million) and local ($17 million) sources.

“Upgrading our locomotives to Tier-4 clean air technology continues Metrolink’s tradition as a transportation industry leader,” said Metrolink CEO Art Leahy.

For more information about Metrolink, please visit www.metrolinktrains.com.

ABOUT METROLINK (www.metrolinktrains.com)

Metrolink is Southern California's regional commuter rail service in its 25th year of operation. Metrolink is governed by The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), a joint powers authority made up of an 11-member board representing the transportation commissions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. Metrolink operates seven routes through a six-county, 538 route-mile network. Metrolink’s passengers travel approximately 441 million miles each year, making Metrolink the second busiest public transportation provider in Southern California. Metrolink is the third largest commuter rail agency in the United States based on directional route miles and the eighth largest based on annual ridership.

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