CRANDIC rolls out new fuel-efficient locomotives

Corridor residents may notice a new paint job on some Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway Co.  (CRANDIC) locomotives rolling through town.

The new look isn't the only change the company is making to its fleet.

The railway company, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy, is transitioning to eight new locomotives that are more energy efficient and safer. The company opted to do one major fleet update rather than incremental updates over time, said Joe McGovern, chief operating officer for the CRANDIC.

"We were looking to upgrade the fleet, and it was more cost effective to start from scratch," McGovern added.

CRANDIC played a major role in the design of the new locomotives, which were built at RELCO Locomotives in Albia, Iowa.

Each new locomotive cost about $1 million to build, McGovern said, but the large investment will save the company money in the long term when it comes to fuel costs. The engines' updated generators improve pulling power, using less energy and fuel.

Once all of the new locomotives are up and running, the company could see fuel savings of as much as 20 percent annually.

The new fleet also will be safer for employees to operate and for the public. Upgrades include computer-based control systems, larger windows and on-board cameras for better visibility, and comfort upgrades for the crew.

The investment also has the potential to bring in new business. McGovern said because the trains are more cost effective, the company can keep costs low. That translates into better rates, which could draw in new customers.

The CRANDIC serves shippers  in Linn, Benton, Iowa and Johnson counties.

The railway company will retire and sell the old fleet as each new locomotive comes into service. McGovern said all eight should be in use by the end of the year. 

"The first one is going through inspections now and will be visible by next week," he said.