The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is looking to upgrade Long Island Rail Road work locomotives with technology that substantially reduces emissions.
The agency last November issued a request for expression of interest from potential suppliers regarding the remanufacture of its whole fleet. The MTA’s switcher locomotives are used to support trackwork, bring equipment to repair facilities and transport other work trains.
Mary Parisen-Lavelle, who chairs the advocacy group Civics United for Railroad Environmental Solutions, said she is “so thrilled” that the agency is “finally” gathering information on green upgrades. Emissions from locomotives inspired CURES to form in 2009, eight years after Vito Maranzano of the Glendale Property Owners and Residents Association first contacted the MTA about the issue, she said…