CSX, Wabtec sign $670M locomotive pact

CSX yesterday announced that it signed a $670 million deal with Wabtec Corp. to upgrade the CSX fleet with 100 new Evolution Series locomotives, 50 modernized locomotives and a suite of digital solutions and services.

The new locomotives are designed to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining performance for long-haul and heavy-duty operations. In addition, CSX will modernize aging D9 locomotives by converting them from DC to AC traction. The upgrades extend service life, improve fleet standardization and enable the use of advanced control and diagnostic technologies, with expected improvements in fuel efficiency, tractive effort and reliability, CSX officials said in a press release.

“Modernizing these critical assets strengthens network performance and supports the level of service our customers depend on," said Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mike Cory. The order also includes digital capabilities designed to support more efficient locomotive operations.

The new and modernized locomotives will be equipped with Trip Optimizer with Smart Horsepower per Ton, an EPA-certified system intended to support fuel efficiency. Delivery of the new Evolution Series locomotives is expected to begin this year, with deliveries of the modernized locomotives beginning in 2027.

CSX is the fourth Class I in recent weeks to announce a major contract to upgrade the locomotive fleet. Last week, Union Pacific Railroad and Wabtec announced an agreement totaling $1.2 billion to modernize the railroad’s AC4400 locomotives. And last month, CPKC announced plans to buy 65 new locomotives from Progress Rail and Norfolk Southern Railway announced it would acquire 40 new Wabtec locomotives.