The newest subway vehicle for MTA New York City Transit has an “R” designation, but it’s a stand-alone piece of rolling stock that doesn’t carry passengers. It’s the R255, a hybrid battery-diesel locomotive for maintenance-of-way operations from Wabtec, and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has just certified it for use across the world’s largest rapid transit network. The R255 will reduce diesel emissions by using battery power while conducting work in NYCT tunnels.
The R255 can reduce, and under some circumstances eliminate, fuel emissions during subway construction, maintenanc, and repairs, especially during extended periods at a work site. The approximately 500-kWh locomotives can work in “battery only” mode within confined work zones for up to eight hours. The batteries also can move work trains that must operate at job sites where third rail power is de-energized for worker safety. The R255 is equipped with external and internal cameras, as well as a digital video recorder to capture images of the track, lineside assets and signaling equipment across the network. It also features onboard monitoring and diagnostics systems to support preventative and condition-based fleet maintenance.
The MTA placed an order with Wabtec for the R255 in 2020 to replace a fleet of diesel-only locomotives built in the 1960s and 1970s. Wabtec built the locomotives at its design and development center in Erie, Pa. The company delivered the initial hybrids in May and June 2024; they underwent a series of comprehensive acceptance tests on NYCT that focused on safety, performance, interoperability and reliability including a capstone performance test of two R255s operating with a full train of m/w cars over the Manhattan Bridge.
“These hybrid work locomotives will enable the MTA to realize its ambitious capital plan to improve subway operations by replacing an aging fleet and improving reliability,” said Alan Hamilton, Vice President of Engineering for Wabtec. “It also supports a cleaner subway system for their commuters and employees, as well as a reduction in fuel consumption. The success and strong performance in the testing are a testament to our collaborative effort with the MTA to design and build the hybrid locomotives. These locomotives are tailored to the unique needs of MTA’s subway maintenance operations. The hybrids feature ruggedized battery pack technology designed for the demanding rail environment. This solution provides the MTA with the flexibility and features to conduct the maintenance work efficiently and sustainably.”
