Darien-based railroad freight operator Genesee & Wyoming has acquired 69 pre-owned locomotives for six of its subsidiaries, including Connecticut Southern Railroad, the company announced Tuesday.
Genesee & Wyoming is purchasing the locomotives from Pittsburgh-based Wabtec Corp.
Two of the locomotives will be going to Connecticut Southern Railroad, a 90-mile freight railroad headquartered in Hartford Yard. It provides connections to Springfield, Massachusetts and New Haven.
A spokesman said the company is upgrading its entire North American fleet of locomotives “to generate efficiencies and fuel savings as well as reduce our annual emissions.”
The two newer engines are replacing locomotives that are being taken out-of-service, he said.
Genesee & Wyoming’s deal with Wabtec includes an extended warranty to ensure reliable service. Wabtec will complete delivery of all 69 locomotives by December.
“These engines will make our fleet more efficient, enabling us to better meet our customers’ needs for safe and reliable freight-rail transportation,” said Michael Miller, president of Genesee & Wyoming’s North American operations. “Furthermore, with rail being the most sustainable way for our customers to move goods over land, these locomotives will generate lower emissions to help both us and our customers achieve our ESG goals.”
The other 67 locomotives Genesee & Wyoming purchased will go to Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad; Chicago, Ft. Wayne & Eastern Railroad; Indiana & Ohio Railway; New England Central Railroad and Providence and Worcester Railroad.
The New England Central Railroad runs from New London to Alburgh, Vermont, at the United States border with Canada.
Genesee & Wyoming owns or leases 115 freight railroads and serves 3,000 customers. Its headquarters is in a small office building across from the Darien Train Station.
