Tri-Rail Orders Siemens Locos: MiamiCentral Access Secured by 2029

Tri-Rail orders seven Siemens Charger locomotives, enabling MiamiCentral station access by 2029. This federally-funded upgrade replaces aging units, boosting service reliability.

Tri-Rail Orders Siemens Locos: MiamiCentral Access Secured by 2029
January 22, 2026 2:38 am
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🛑 Key Takeaways:
  • South Florida’s Tri-Rail will receive seven Siemens Charger locomotives by 2029 to replace its aging EMD GP49 fleet.
  • The new units are EPA Tier 4 compliant and will be built in Sacramento, CA, under federal Buy America provisions.
  • Crucially, the acquisition enables Tri-Rail to gain full network access to the key MiamiCentral station, a long-sought service expansion.

MIAMI, FL – The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) has placed an order for seven Siemens Charger diesel-electric locomotives to modernize its Tri-Rail commuter service. The federally-funded purchase directly enables Tri-Rail’s expansion into downtown Miami’s MiamiCentral station. While the contract’s value was not disclosed, the investment aligns with a broader North American trend of high-value fleet renewals, such as Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s $800 million locomotive program and Honolulu’s $900 million bus electrification initiative.

CategorySpecification / Detail
Purchaser / OperatorSouth Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) / Tri-Rail
ManufacturerSiemens Mobility
Product / QuantitySiemens Charger Diesel-Electric Locomotive / 7 units
Fleet ImpactReplaces 6 EMD GP49 locomotives
Delivery TimelineScheduled for service entry in 2029
Funding SourceFederal Transit Administration (FTA)
Manufacturing SiteSacramento, California (Buy America Compliant)

Operational & Technical Details

The primary driver for this specific acquisition is technical compliance. The new Siemens Charger locomotives will meet the unique requirements for operating into MiamiCentral station, expanding the 73.5-mile Tri-Rail network. This move resolves a long-standing connectivity gap for the service. The incoming units will replace six EMD GP49 locomotives which have reached the end of their operational lifecycle. According to SFRTA, the new fleet is expected to significantly increase daily service reliability. The Chargers are compliant with the US Environmental Protection Agency’s stringent Tier 4 emissions standards, representing a substantial environmental upgrade over the older locomotives.

📅 Originally Published: December 2025
To understand the background of this initiative, consider a previously published article detailing ODOT’s call for public input on the State Rail Plan.

➀ Read More: ODOT Seeks Input for Oklahoma Rail Plan: Focus on Funding & Projects

Market Impact Analysis

This order solidifies Siemens Mobility’s position in the U.S. commuter rail market. According to the contracting authority, Siemens was the sole manufacturer capable of meeting the project’s specific operational and regulatory demands, a key differentiator it can leverage in future bids. The contract underscores the critical importance of Buy America compliance for securing federally funded transit projects, highlighting the strategic value of Siemens’ Sacramento plant, which employs over 2,500 people. While modest in unit volume, the deal’s significance lies in its role as an enabler for network expansion, a common objective for transit agencies nationwide seeking to maximize the utility of their infrastructure investments.


FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the main value of this contract?

The specific financial value of the contract was not disclosed in the announcement. The primary operational value is gaining access for Tri-Rail trains to MiamiCentral station.

When is the expected completion date?

The new locomotives are scheduled to be placed into service in 2029.