rail

MBTA Rolls Out America 250 Locomotive; Brightline Expands Military Discounts

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority unveiled its custom-painted America 250 locomotive on June 12, marking the agency's contribution to national bicentennial celebrations. The GP40 unit, originally built in the 1970s for Canadian freight service, was acquired by MBTA in the late 1990s for commuter rail operations on the North Side lines. This year's overhaul included rebuilding and refurbishing all major components, along with remote monitoring, forward-facing cameras, and modernized brake and control systems. The locomotive's commemorative livery features America-themed imagery and displays 1776 on its front. Brightline partnered with GOVX to provide fare discounts for military members, first responders, and government employees. Railroads including Amtrak, BNSF, CSX, CN, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Norfolk Southern, and others have launched similar anniversary initiatives. Union Pacific announced a coast-to-coast steam tour led by Big Boy No. 4014.