By Railfan & Railroad Staff 

Genesee & Wyoming has ordered 69 Dash 8 and Dash 9 locomotives for six subsidiaries. The locomotives will replace older units that G&W was required to dispose of as part of a legal settlement with the federal government after it was found the short line operator had violated the Clean Air Act. 

The certified pre-owned locomotives will be assigned to the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad; Chicago, Ft. Wayne & Eastern Railroad; Connecticut Southern Railroad; Indiana & Ohio Railway; New England Central Railroad and Providence & Worcester Railroad. It is the largest order ever from Wabtec’s new certified pre-owned program. 

“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 G&W’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.”

G&W’s order consists of 35 Dash 9 and 34 Dash 8 locomotives. Wabtec will start delivery of these locomotives immediately and will complete delivery of all 69 by December this year. 

“This order demonstrates the value of our certified pre-owned program to the short line market,” said Alicia Hammersmith, President of Wabtec’s Global Freight Services. “Certified pre-owned locomotives provide G&W an affordable way to upgrade its fleet while improving performance, reliability and fuel efficiency as well as reducing carbon emissions. These locomotives deliver the performance G&W needs to continue meeting their customers’ growing demands.”