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MBTA Shows Off First New Locomotive In 23 Years

BOSTON (CBS/AP) – The MBTA showed off its newest piece of equipment Monday – a state-of-the-art commuter rail locomotive.

The train left Union Station in Worcester at 7:35 a.m. for its inaugural trip to South Station in Boston.

It's the MBTA's first new locomotive purchase since 1988.

State officials say the diesel-electric locomotive has engines designed to burn fuel more efficiently and idle less, reducing nitrogen oxide levels by 20 tons per engine each year.

It is one of two purchased from the Utah Transit Authority.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation approved the $114 million purchase last year of 20 new diesel-electric locomotives from an Idaho company. Those locomotives are expected to be brought into service in 2013.

The T has had a rough winter dealing with angry riders upset with delays, failing equipment and poor communication, something General Manager Richard Davey promises to change.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe talks to Davey about delays

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(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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