Wabtec has announced that its R255 Hybrid Battery-Diesel Work Locomotives have been approved by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for use in maintenance operations across New York’s metrosystem. The hybrid locomotives are designed to reduce diesel emissions during maintenance work in subway tunnels by utilizing battery power.
“These hybrid locomotives will support the MTA’s capital plan by replacing an aging fleet and enhancing reliability,” said Alan Hamilton, Vice President of Engineering for Wabtec. “This will also contribute to a cleaner metro system, benefiting both commuters and employees, while reducing fuel consumption.”
The MTA placed an order with Wabtec in 2020 to replace a fleet of diesel-only locomotives that date back to the 1960s and 70s. The locomotives were manufactured at Wabtec’s design and development center in Erie, PA. The initial units were delivered in May and June of 2024, and subsequently underwent a series of tests on the New York City Transit (NYCT) metro system. These tests, which focused on safety, performance, interoperability, and reliability, included a key performance test where two hybrid locomotives operated with a full maintenance train load over the Manhattan Bridge.
“The successful performance during testing highlights the collaboration between Wabtec and the MTA in designing and building these hybrid locomotives,” said Hamilton. “The locomotives have been specifically tailored to meet the unique demands of MTA’s metro maintenance operations, with ruggedized battery pack technology suitable for the rail environment. This solution offers the MTA both efficiency and sustainability in their maintenance work.”
The R255 hybrid locomotives are capable of significantly reducing, or in some cases eliminating, fuel emissions during metro maintenance activities, particularly during extended periods spent at work sites. The locomotives, with approximately 500 kWh of battery capacity, can operate in “battery-only” mode for up to eight hours in confined work zones. Additionally, they can move work trains at job sites where the third rail power is deactivated for safety.
The locomotives are equipped with both external and internal cameras, along with a digital video recorder, to capture images of the track, lineside assets, and signaling equipment. They also feature onboard monitoring and diagnostic systems to assist with preventative and condition-based maintenance of the fleet.
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