Carl Moyer Program allocation will support the purchase of up to 20 new engines

LOS ANGELES - The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Governing Board committed to support Metrolink's procurement of up to 20 new low-emission Tier 4 locomotives on Friday. At its regular monthly meeting, AQMD agreed to execute a contract with Metrolink in an amount not to exceed $34.66 million from the Carl Moyer Program to help fund the project.

"Metrolink as an agency is excited and appreciative to the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board for its decision to partner with us in securing Tier 4 locomotives," said Metrolink Board Chair and San Bernardino Mayor Pat Morris. "Just as AQMD is committed to protecting the health of residents through air quality control, Metrolink is dedicated to lowering regional emissions by removing vehicles from our freeways and operating the most environmentally responsible technology."

In an effort that will benefit all of Southern California, Tier 4 locomotives are expected to reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions by over 80 percent compared to current Tier 0 locomotive engines. Metrolink is the first commuter rail system in the country to procure the new Tier 4 locomotives.

The investment will allow for the removal of Tier 0 locomotives over an approximate three-year period. As part of this contract, Metrolink will also work with AQMD in the development of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) locomotive.

Morris, on behalf of Metrolink, expressed how thankful he was to AQMD for the funding. He also conveyed gratitude to the various community groups, non-profit organizations and elected officials that supported this initiative.

Additional funds requested by Metrolink are contingent upon reauthorization of the Carl Moyer Program and will be considered by AQMD at a future date.

The Metrolink Board of Directors authorized the agency to procure up to 20 Tier 4 locomotives at its December 14, 2012 meeting. The project total is not-to-exceed $129.4 million.

The first three demonstration locomotives are scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2015.

The locomotive upgrades will have system-wide benefits and help reduce emissions in the surrounding communities. In addition, these locomotives will have greater horsepower that can increase capacity by adding more train cars to a set.

For additional details on Metrolink, please visit www.metrolinktrains.com.

ABOUT METROLINK (www.metrolinktrains.com)

Metrolink is Southern California's regional commuter rail service in its 20th year of operation. 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, governs the service. Metrolink operates over seven routes through a six-county, 512 route-mile network. Metrolink is the third largest commuter rail agency in the United States based on directional route miles and the seventh largest based on annual ridership.

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