Tri-Rail Orders Seven New Locomotives

(Press Release) South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), operator of Tri-Rail commuter rail service in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, has ordered seven advanced Charger diesel-electric locomotives from Siemens Mobility, to add to its fleet. Expected to enter service in 2029, these locomotives support Tri-Rail’s commitment to offer reliable and efficient rail transportation across South Florida.

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“On behalf of the entire Siemens Mobility team, we are honored that SFRTA has chosen our American Made technology to power Tri‑Rail’s next chapter.” said Tobias Bauer, CEO Siemens Mobility North America. “With our Charger locomotives, riders will benefit from modern performance and improved access, including service into MiamiCentral.”
 
Tri-Rail serves as South Florida’s regional commuter rail, linking Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. With the addition of seven new locomotives, Tri-Rail will enhance its current aging fleet, introducing equipment designed to enhance the passenger experience with modern features while improving the reliability of daily service. The new locomotives are also equipped to provide service into MiamiCentral, which requires rail equipment that meets specific operational and compliance requirements to access the station.

“These new locomotives represent a major step forward in modernizing Tri-Rail’s fleet and strengthening the reliability of our service for the riders who depend on us every day,” said Dave Dech, SFRTA Executive Director. “This investment supports our long-term vision for safer, more efficient commuter rail system, and positions Tri-Rail for continued growth.”
 
The new Siemens Charger locomotives will replace SFRTA’s aging fleet of six EMD GP49 units, enabling Tri-Rail to retire older equipment and enhance service quality for riders. Operating along the 73.5-mile corridor linking Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, as well as the additional 8-mile stretch on the Florida East Coast (FEC) Corridor to access MiamiCentral, the Charger locomotives will provide modern, high-end performance to keep South Floridians moving and connected.
 
This procurement, funded through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), recognizes Siemens Mobility as the only manufacturer capable of providing locomotives that comply with SFRTA’s operational needs and regulatory requirements. The Charger is EPA Tier 4 compliant and recognized as the diesel-electric locomotive with the lowest emissions in North America.
 
Production of the locomotives will begin well ahead of delivery, with all units scheduled to enter service in 2029. By modernizing its fleet, SFRTA is reinforcing its role as a vital complement to South Florida’s intercity rail network, offering an affordable, dependable, and modern transit alternative for commuters.
 
SFRTA joins the more than 35 transit agencies across North America benefiting from Siemens Mobility's portfolio of rail vehicles, locomotives, components and automation systems. American cities also rely on Siemens to provide traction-power substations and electricity transmission, as well as signaling and control technology for freight and passenger rail and transit systems.
 
The Charger locomotives for Tri-Rail are Buy America compliant and will be built at the Siemens Mobility rail manufacturing hub in Sacramento, California. With more than 2,500 employees onsite, the facility has been in operation for 30 years.