The plan addresses climate change, air quality, and other pressing sustainability issues to help advance the regional railway’s aggressive goal for zero emissions by 2028.
“Tier 4” is the most stringent designation from the EPA for engines to dramatically reduce emissions.
The new dual-power locomotives will meet current EPA Tier IV requirements, reducing emissions when operating in diesel mode and running emission-free when operating in electric mode.
Puradigm recently announced successful testing at the University of Florida showing its technology deactivates SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as deactivating coronavirus 229E.
The report concludes that every dollar of public investment returns $2.82 in the form of jobs, infrastructure investment, productivity gains, environmental benefits, and money saved by riders.
In studies, the most important factors cited by transit riders were service frequency, crowding reliability, safety, and cleanliness.
Existing maintenance garages can be retrofit to handle electrics, but the infrastructure upgrades required can be significant.
They anticipate passenger service for the end of 2022 after securing $119 million contract with DART.
The budget proposal also includes a 31% cut for the Environmental Protection Agency.
Will utilize the $3.18 million grant to replace diesel and gas-fueled shuttle buses at the four major airports in Southern California with zero-emission battery-electric shuttles.