The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced the purchase of 20 steel ballast cars that will be used by MassDOT for projects which maintain and repair crucial rail infrastructure.
The new steel ballast cars, purchased by the Rail & Transit Division, are notable for their feature of remote control-operated gates. This innovative component makes the process of pouring ballast speedier, more efficient and safer than traditional ballast cars, which typically require personnel to crank the gates open and closed by hand.
Previously, MassDOT rented ballast cars, which was more costly than owning the vehicles. In the Fiscal Year 2017, MassDOT spent approximately USD 109,000 leasing ballast cars. By purchasing the new cars, which can have a 50-year operating life, for USD 3.2 million, MassDOT is projected to save about USD 2.25 million. MassDOT will experience additional savings by storing the new cars in its own facilities, thereby lowering the cost of transporting the ballast cars.
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