Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) wrote to the Chairman of the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) board and the Chairman of the AQMD Technology Committee requesting the strongest funding possible to acquire Tier 4 locomotives. With the Southern California Regional Railroad Authority (Metrolink) serving over 40,000 commuters each day, over 24,000 cars are removed from Southern California’s roads and highways relieving traffic congestion.
However, Metrolink’s aging locomotive fleet hinders its efficiency and creates an environmental concern. With thirty Tier 0 locomotives (which have been in service since 1992), Metrolink’s fleet is plagued with engine and technical difficulties that often slow and interrupt service. These Tier 0 locomotives also emit higher levels of pollution than the industry standard Tier 4.
After sending the letter, Schiff stated, “Having an efficient, environmentally sound locomotive fleet is an issue that touches not just Metrolink commuters, but everyone in our communities. By the Air Quality Management District allocating Carl Moyer funds to Metrolink, the long term investments to improve air quality and meet the demands of commuters across the region can finally be made. I urge the support from the board and the Technology Committee.”
In the letter, Schiff detailed the current efforts by Metrolink and urged the AQMD’s Chairman to contribute towards the upgrades saying, “Metrolink is working to upgrade its locomotive fleet by acquiring Tier 4 locomotives that are cleaner and are more reliable. The new locomotives use diesel engines that emit 80 percent fewer harmful emissions and can increase Metrolink’s capacity through the higher horsepower necessary to add more train cars to a set. AQMD’s contribution to this effort would help meet the region’s shared goal of improved air quality and would be a significant down payment on the more than $100 million needed to upgrade Metrolink’s fleet as the agency works to secure other funding sources to undertake a full upgrade of its fleet.”
The full letter to Chairman William Burke is below:
Dear Chairman Burke,
As you may know, the Southern California Regional Railroad Authority (Metrolink) is applying for Carl Moyer funds for upgrades to its locomotive fleet. I support this request and strongly urge the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Board to award the strongest funding possible for Metrolink.
Metrolink provides commuter service to over 40,000 people each day throughout Southern California, helping to remove over 24,000 cars daily from the road. Metrolink plays a critical role in helping reduce the region’s traffic congestion and helps alleviate the need to construct more freeways.
Despite the important contributions Metrolink makes to moving commuters, it is hindered in its impact by its antiquated and aging locomotive fleet. Metrolink currently has 30 Tier 0 locomotives, which have been in service since 1992. The fleet consistently experiences engine and other technical failures that slow and interrupt commuter service. These trains also emit higher levels of pollution than the current industry standard, Tier 4 locomotives.
Metrolink is working to upgrade its locomotive fleet by acquiring Tier 4 locomotives that are cleaner and are more reliable. The new locomotives use diesel engines that emit 80 percent fewer harmful emissions and can increase Metrolink’s capacity through the higher horsepower necessary to add more train cars to a set. AQMD’s contribution to this effort would help meet the region’s shared goal of improved air quality and would be a significant down payment on the more than $100 million needed to upgrade Metrolink’s fleet as the agency works to secure other funding sources to undertake a full upgrade of its fleet.
I urge your support for Metrolink’s application for Carl Moyer funds for locomotive upgrades. This long term investment is critical for improving air quality and meeting the demands of commuters across the region.
