Bombardier has signed deals to provide hybrid diesel-electric locomotives for two of North America’s largest commuter rail systems. The Montreal based train manufacturing behemoth will be providing the new technology to the New Jersey Transit rail system and the Montreal Agence Metropolitaine de Transport. New Jersey Transit has order 26 units of the energy saving locomotives while the Montreal AMT has contracted for 20, but if the deal works out successfully for each transportation system, New Jersey could order an additional 63 units and Montreal could option for another 10. Overall the deals have a combined worth of over $485 Million.

The new locomotives, which have the capability of both running of diesel fuel and electricity supplied by overhead lines, will provide the commuter systems with the flexibility of use throughout their entire rail networks, which include both electrified and non-electrified portions. New Jersey Transit is the third largest commuter rail system in North America while Montreal AMT is the sixth largest. Bombardier plans delivery of the new  locomotives in 2011.

You can takepart by checking out Reconnecting America, a Public Transit Advocacy Group.

LINKS:

Auto Clerks: Bombardier signs $485 Million dollar contracts for hybrid locomotives

LoHud: NJ Transit buys dual-powered locomotives, eventually for one seat ride to Manhattan

The Gazette: Bombardier wins AMT contract