Wabtec Corporation has secured a $386 million follow-on order to supply additional R255 hybrid battery-diesel work locomotives to New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The order represents a significant milestone in the MTA’s Capital Plan to revitalise the city’s transit network infrastructure and enhance the capabilities and safety of its maintenance workforce.
The award builds on the successful collaboration between Wabtec and the MTA, which has positioned the R255 hybrid locomotive as a reliable and efficient solution for maintaining the New York City subway system. According to Wabtec, the expanded agreement reflects the authority’s confidence in the performance and suitability of the locomotive for complex urban transit operations.
The order includes both locomotives and associated spare parts. Wabtec will manufacture the R255 units at its design and development centre in Erie, Pennsylvania, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. The new locomotives will replace ageing equipment, improving reliability and operational efficiency while also contributing to better air quality across the transit network. The R255 fleet forms a core element of the MTA’s broader modernisation programme, supporting its long-term strategy to deliver safe, efficient and sustainable transit services.
Designed to improve working conditions for maintenance crews, particularly in underground tunnels, the R255 hybrid locomotive can operate on battery power to eliminate emissions during construction, maintenance and repair activities. With an approximate 500 kWh battery capacity, the locomotives are capable of running in “battery-only” mode for several hours within confined work zones and can move work trains when third-rail power is de-energised.
The R255 also incorporates advanced features to support maintenance operations. Each locomotive is equipped with cameras and video recording systems to capture images of track, lineside assets and signalling equipment across the network. In addition, onboard diagnostics enable smart maintenance practices, helping crews to monitor performance and support more efficient day-to-day operations.
For more information visit www.wabteccorp.com
