North County Transportation District
San Diego’s North County Transit District has ordered two more Siemens Charger locomotives, bringing to nine the number the agency will use to power its Coaster commuter trains. The order marks Siemens’ 300th passenger locomotive sold in North America, and will allow the district to nearly double frequencies of Coaster service.
“In addition to increasing service frequencies, these new locomotives will provide a smoother and more reliable passenger experience, will significantly reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality, and reduce noise pollution for residents and riders,” Tony Kranz, district board chairman, said in a press release.
The NCTD initially ordered five Chargers; those units have been delivered and are in testing [see “News Photo: New Coaster locomotives begin testing,” Trains News Wire, Oct. 8, 2020]. The agency approved the purchase of two more locomotives and two new five-car trainsets in 2019.
“We are grateful to NCTD for their continued confidence in Siemens’ technology,” said Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Mobility Rolling Stock in North America.
NCTD purchased the locomotives as part of a multi-state procurement that also included locomotives for regional Amtrak service in California and Illinois, lowering costs and aiding in future parts acquisition. The Tier-4 compliant locomotives will reduce emission by an estimated 90% over the current Coaster locomotives.
