Amtrak: New locomotives have cut delays nearly 25 percent

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The introduction of 70 new locomotives on Amtrak's most heavily traveled line three years ago has contributed to a reduction in engine-related delays of nearly 25 percent, the national passenger railroad said Thursday.

More technologically advanced than the older engines, the ACS-64s feature a dashboard with an electronic screen that can tell an engineer what problems to look for even before they happen, Stadtler said.

The engines were built in Sacramento, California, by Munich, Germany-based Siemens AG. As a condition of the federal loan used to build them, the majority of the products and materials used had to have been made in the U.S. More than 60 suppliers in 20 states contributed parts, according to Amtrak.

The reduction in delays "is heartening," said Sean Jeans-Gail, vice president of government affairs for the National Association of Rail Passengers, an advocacy organization.