SEPTA Debuts New ACS-64 Electric Locomotive at Chestnut Hill

Philadelphia, Pa, July 11, 2018 – SEPTA celebrated the debut of its new ACS-64 electric locomotive today with a commemorative ‘Inaugural Run’ ceremony at the Chestnut Hill East Station. It is the first of 15 ACS-64 electric locomotives SEPTA is purchasing from Siemens as part of an overall effort to improve SEPTA’s regional rail capacity, performance and reliability. The purchase of these new locomotives was made possible by Act 89, Pennsylvania’s comprehensive funding transportation bill.

The new equipment allows SEPTA to replace 8 aging locomotives, including the last remaining AEM-7 models still running in the country, while expanding its fleet. The new locomotives will be deployed throughout SEPTA’s commuter network and will be in service with SEPTA’s existing rail cars and eventually will be paired with a new fleet of multi-level coaches that have been ordered from CRRC MA Corp.

The ACS-64 electric locomotive is equipped with a FastBrake New York Air Brake System and electronically controlled pneumatic brake system that is suited for push-pull operation without turning. With a wide-body, double-cab design, the locomotive also features an integrated Crash Energy Management System, is equipped with regenerative braking and an onboard Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System (ACSES) control unit including train radio, automatic train control and positive train control. The engineers cab and amenities on the ACS-64 have been designed with the assistance of the Brotherhood of Engineers Cab Committee.

“Without Act 89, long-needed fleet upgrades like this simply would not be possible,” said SEPTA Board Chairman Pasquale T. Deon, Sr. “These are the types of projects that keep people, goods and services moving and are critical to the growth and economic vitality of the region and the state.”

“SEPTA’s Regional Rail Ridership has grown by more than 50 percent over the last 15 years,” said SEPTA General Manager Jeffrey D. Knueppel. “The addition of these new Siemens ACS-64 locomotives is critical for SEPTA to expand capacity and meet the needs of our riders.”

“This locomotive is not only powerful, but also efficient and reliable” said Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Rolling Stock in the U.S. “We are proud that these locomotives got here on time and in great working condition, and we are excited to work with SEPTA to improve availability so more Philadelphians can get to their destinations safely and on time.”

The ACS-64 electric locomotive has a proven service record with over 24 million track miles in revenue service with similar ones operating on the Northeast Corridor that have brought enhanced transportation benefits to riders while reducing delay incidents by 25 percent and delay times by 30 percent. In conjunction with the planned purchase of new multi-level passenger cars, SEPTA will be able to provide additional capacity to accommodate its growing ridership.

                        Photo/story by Joseph M. Calisi ©2018 All Rights Reserved

Photo Caption: SEPTA announced the arrival of its new ACS-64 electric locomotives at their Chestnut Hill East Station with a commemorative ‘Inaugural Run’ ceremony on July 11, 2018. Invited guests had an opportunity to tour the new technologically advanced locomotive. 

Photo courtesy: SEPTA