The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), which operates the Tri-Rail commuter rail service, has ordered seven new Siemens Charger locomotives to replace the oldest units in its fleet. The new locomotives, which are expected to be delivered in 2029, will be funded in part by the Federal Transit Administration. The Siemens Charger locomotives were chosen because they meet Tri-Rail’s operational needs and regulatory requirements, and are the only units that can operate into Brightline’s MiamiCentral station, which currently has limited Tri-Rail service.
The new locomotives will replace Tri-Rail’s six GP49PH-3 locomotives, which were built in 1980 and are nearing the end of their lifespan. The GP49s are former Norfolk Southern units that were originally built for the Southern Railway, and will be nearly 50 years old by the time the new locomotives arrive. The Tri-Rail fleet is diverse and includes several other types of locomotives, including Brookville BL36PHs, Morrison-Knudsen F40PHM-3Cs, and ex-Amtrak F40PHs.
The purchase of the new locomotives is part of Tri-Rail’s efforts to modernize its fleet and improve the reliability of its service. The new locomotives will provide riders with modern performance and improved access, including service into MiamiCentral. The SFRTA’s executive director, Dave Dech, stated that the new locomotives represent a major step forward in modernizing Tri-Rail’s fleet and strengthening the reliability of its service.
Siemens Mobility, the manufacturer of the Charger locomotives, is a leading provider of rail technology and is committed to providing high-quality, American-made products. The company’s CEO, Tobias Bauer, expressed his pride in being chosen to provide the new locomotives for Tri-Rail, stating that the Charger locomotives will provide riders with modern performance and improved access. The purchase of the new locomotives is a significant investment in the future of Tri-Rail and will help to position the service for continued growth and success.