Note: This week we’re catching up on some older news items that likely will still interest our readers.

GO Locomotive 668 in Chicago, Illinois, en route to to Toronto, March 2018. Photo by: Marty Simane, courtesy: Metrolinx

For the first time in more than three years, GO Transit is welcoming a brand new locomotive to its fleet.

While GO 668 looks similar to other engines in the fleet, featuring the classic green and white colours, the fresh coat of paint isn’t the only thing “green” about it. It is GO’s first Tier 4 AC locomotive to arrive after rolling off the assembly line at the MotivePower factory in Boise, Idaho.

“Tier 4 technology reduces diesel particulate emissions by about 85 per cent,” said Metrolinx’s director of rail services, Rob Fuller. “(It also reduces) nitrogen oxide emissions by 75 per cent, compared to a Tier 2 engine.”

GO Locomotive 668 travelling through Milton, March 2018. Photo by: Marcus Stevens, courtesy: Metrolinx

The Tier 4 emissions standard, established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, isn’t the only notable feature of the new addition.

While all of GO’s current engines use DC (direct current) to power traction motors, GO 668 uses AC (alternating current) traction. This is brand new for GO and Metrolinx.

According to Fuller, AC traction makes for faster acceleration, reduces maintenance requirements and improves reliability.

GO Locomotive 668 passing through Paris Junction on the CN main line heading to Willowbrook Maintenance Facility, March 2018 Photo by Chris Gertz, courtesy: Metrolinx.

The cutting-edge train is the first of 16 new Tier-4 engines that GO is adding to its stable.

According to Metrolinx, despite making the 3,500-kilometre journey from Idaho to Etobicoke, GO 668 won’t be sitting idle for long. The new loco is undergoing commissioning work at GO’s Willowbrook Maintenance Facility and will be rolling into GO stations in the coming weeks.

GO 668 arrived at GO’s Willowbrook yard after traveling 3,500km from Idaho, March 2018. Photo: Metrolinx.

The trains serving Metrolinx’ UP Express line also meet Tier-4 emission standards.