West Coast Express 906

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2006 MPI MP36PH-3C
In service 2006–present
Manufacturer Motive Power Industries
Model MP36PH-3C
Fleet numbers 906
Owner TransLink
Operator Bombardier Transportation
Lines served
Specifications
Length 21.34 m
Height 4.70 m
Weight 131,500 kg
Top speed 177 km/h
Fuel capacity 8810 L
Traction motor D87BTR
Traction alternator AR15
Engine model 645F3B
Horsepower 3,600
Cylinders 16

West Coast Express 906 is a 2006 MPI MP36PH-3C locomotive owned by TransLink for use on the West Coast Express.

This locomotive, the only one of this model in the West Coast Express fleet, was the first locomotive ordered by TransLink for use on the West Coast Express, as well as the first locomotive ordered since service on the West Coast Express began in 1995. It was purchased as an additional unit to maintain capacity and prevent the requirement of VIA units for spares.

This is also the only MP36PH-3C unit in Canada.

Maintenance is done by Via Canada and operations by Bombardier Transportation.

History

The initial order for locomotives in 1994 was for six units, but was dropped to five after General Motors was chosen to manufacture the locomotives.[1]

However, a mudslide in January 1999 resulted in damages to a locomotive and raised concerns on the lack of a spare in the fleet as the service often relied on Via Rail locomotives, which were often difficult to obtain because they are often parked in Ontario.[2] In May 1999, an order was placed to purchase a spare locomotive valued at $1.2 million.[3] However, by January 2000, TransLink was still looking into purchasing a spare locomotive and specifically a spare one.[4] With the lack of a spare locomotive, TransLink has resorted to leasing CP Rail and Via Rail locomotives, which have resulted in passenger complaints, especially when a CP Rail locomotive was used as they were louder.[4]

The procurement of a spare locomotive was raised again in May 2005 when the TransLink board voted on spending $5.12 million to buy the sixth locomotive.[5] When the procurement of a sixth locomotive was raised, TransLink was leasing various Sound Transit locomotives on a month-to-month basis, which TransLink cited as a practice with increasing uncertainty that would lead to more delays and higher costs in the future.[5] Furthermore, Sound Transit wanted their locomotive back.[6] The procurement of a sixth locomotive was approved on May 24.[6]

Details

Fleet
number
Thumbnail Year Serial Number Status/Disposal Notes
906 2006
  • Spare locomotive and only MP36PH-3C in Canada

References

  1. Lee, J. (1995, September 29). Board railroads engine buy: BC Transit staff overruled on locomotive source, The Vancouver Sun, A1
  2. Simpson, S. (1999, January 15). Mudslide derails West Coast Express: Wednesday night's rain caused the Burnaby Mountain slide the train hit in the morning, The Vancouver Sun, A5.
  3. The Vancouver Sun (1999, May 19). West Coast Express adds 3 cars, engine: The new acquisitions will help meet demand at peak times, The Vancouver Sun, B1.
  4. 4.0 4.1 The Province (2000, January 28). Got a used locomotive?, The Province, A12.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Easton, L. (2005, May 18). TransLink board will vote Friday on whether to add another West Coast Express train car to its commuter fleet, Coquitlam Now, 13.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Claxton, M. (2005, May 24). TransLink says yes to buying new West Coast train, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows Times, 4.
v·d·e
Fleet
Locomotives 901–905 906 907
Coaches 101–108 109 201–220 301–309 401–406
Stations
Canada LineExpo LineSeaBusR5 Hastings St WaterfrontMillennium Line Moody CentreMillennium LineR3 Lougheed Hwy Coquitlam CentralPort CoquitlamPitt MeadowsMaple Meadows - Port HaneyMission City
TransLink
TransLink
Transit Services

SeaBus West Vancouver Transit HandyDART

Fare Information

Compass CardCash FaresFare StructureUniversal Pass (U-Pass) West Coast Express Fares

Plans and Projects

Expo Line Expo Line Fraser Highway ExtensionMillennium Line Millennium Line Broadway ExtensionPattullo Bridge Replacement

Other Divisions

Cycling NetworkRoads and BridgesTransit Police

Canadian Railroads
Freight
Canadian National
Canadian Pacific
Passenger
VIA Rail
GO
AMT
West Coast Express