Greentech Lead America: NJ TRANSIT has unveiled its first
Dual Powered Locomotive, ALP-45DP, at New Jersey. The ALP-45DP is the first
locomotive in the United States to be powered by the overhead
catenary or by its twin diesel engines.
STV, a transportation engineering firm, has provided
the design, inspection and test engineering support services for this
initiative. The new locomotive runs under both diesel and electric power and
increases operational flexibility across both electrified and non-electrified
territories. The locomotives are being manufactured by Bombardier in
Kassel, Germany.
The first ALP-45DP locomotive to run on NJ TRANSIT
arrived at Montclair State University Station in Montclair, NJ,
under diesel power and left the station for Hoboken Terminal under electric
power.
The new locomotives offer better acceleration and
lower exhaust emissions than NJ TRANSIT’s current diesel equipment. In diesel
mode, the vehicles can reach 100 mph and in electric mode, 125 mph. The switch
from diesel to electric mode takes approximately 100 seconds.
“This is a revolutionary locomotive. With the
ability to run under both diesel power and alternating current electric power,
these new locomotives provide greater operating flexibility for our
clients,” said Christopher Holliday, P.E., STV senior vice president and
vehicles and systems national practice leader.