H375079--465-0003 Dual Mode Loco RFI - Final.pdf

CTDOT - Dual Mode Locomotives Procurement Support

2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000

Builder Input, Rev. 0

© Hatch 2026 All rights reserved, including all rights relating to the use of this document or its contents.

CT.GOV/DOT

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is developing a technical specification for a dual-mode locomotive (catenary AC/diesel) and is also evaluating alternative propulsion technologies. As part of this effort, CTDOT seeks input from locomotive manufacturers and suppliers.

Organizations interested in providing information for consideration during technical specification development are invited to respond to the attached Request for Information (RFI) Questions. Responses to the attached questions should be submitted via email to:

dot.trains@ct.gov.

All process related inquiries shall be directed to Marci.Petterson@ct.gov and cc:

Ramzee.Beyah@ct.gov. Proposers shall not contact any other CTDOT personnel regarding this RFI. Submission responses are due by 5:00 P.M. EST Tuesday June 30, 2026.

CTDOT reserves the right to revise this RFI at any time. All revisions will be issued by Addendum posted to CTSource. Response to this RFI does not constitute pre-qualification to bid on future contract with CTDOT. Any information that is provided as confidential must be marked as such, and CTDOT will treat it as confidential.

CTDOT appreciates your interest and participation.

mailto:dot.trains@ct.gov mailto:Marci.Petterson@ct.gov mailto:Ramzee.Beyah@ct.gov

CTDOT - Dual Mode Locomotives Procurement Support

2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000

Builder Input, Rev. 0

© Hatch 2026 All rights reserved, including all rights relating to the use of this document or its contents.

CT.GOV/DOT

Originator: Date: Project No.: Revision:

Hatch and CTDOT 6/1/2026 H375079 A Requested Information:

1. What new propulsion technologies are being adopted for passenger locomotives?

2. How are you preparing for the transition to alternative energy sources for high-speed and regional passenger services?

3. How do these advancements impact travel speed, acceleration, energy consumption, operating costs and maintenance cycles for passenger services?

4. Are there improvements in regenerative braking systems to enhance energy recovery during frequent stops?

5. How are passenger locomotives meeting stricter emissions standards and sustainability goals and what is the impact on reliability and operating costs?

6. What innovations are reducing noise and vibration for a quieter passenger experience?

7. Are there plans for fully zero-emission passenger locomotives in high-speed or regional service?

8. How is technology improving ride quality and reducing vibration for passengers?

9. Are changeovers a place for concern? What are the challenges if any with changing from one propulsion system to another smoothly and how does it affect Operations?

10. Are there advancements in HVAC systems for better climate control and energy efficiency?

11. How are smart technologies being integrated for passenger information systems and onboard connectivity?

12. How would you plan to meet current FRA Regulations regarding PTC and onboard camera and recording equipment?

13. How are predictive maintenance tools being used to minimize service disruptions?

14. Are there real-time monitoring systems that improve reliability and punctuality for passenger services?

15. How is AI being applied to optimize scheduling and reduce delays?

16. What new safety features are being implemented for passenger locomotives (e.g., automated braking, obstacle detection)?

17. Are there developments toward semi-autonomous operation for passenger trains?

18. How is technology improving emergency response and passenger safety protocols?

19. How are locomotives leveraging data analytics to improve passenger service reliability?

20. Are there cloud-based systems for real-time communication between train crews and control centers?

21. What cybersecurity measures are in place for connected passenger locomotives?

22. What do you see as the biggest technological disruptor for passenger rail over the next decade?

23. Have you in the last eight to ten years manufactured locomotives for the United States market, and followed regulatory bodies such as, but not limited to FRA, EPA, APTA, etc.?

24. What is the expected timeframe to start a build provided an RFP release early 2027?

25. Are there lessons learned from previous builds which would be considered for a new build for the Northeast

United States?

26. Please indicate where the locomotive manufacturing would take place (North America, South America, Europe, other.).

27. Where are the following groups located: Project management team, Engineering team, and Manufacturing team?

28. Are there planned changes in the factory or production process which would affect the manufacturing of the locomotives, (e.g. moving manufacturing to another country, location, or facility to accommodate this contract)?

29. Will there be any overlap in production with similar locomotives for other Agencies?

30. What issues, if any (design, manufacturing, parts, etc.) have most recently affected production and delivery schedule expectations?

31. On previous locomotives, how were the vendors’ responses to problematic systems and sub-system(s) and what is your firm’s due diligence process for qualifying vendors?

32. What dual mode type locomotives, if any have you previously built, and what was the propulsion type?

33. Can you provide information on the latest design, technologies, and product support?

34. How will you respond to regulatory changes which may occur during the contract?

35. What local support will be provided for the commissioning and warranty period?

36. Have any significant incidents been attributed to a fault relating to a previously built locomotive including but not limited to derailments, injuries, fleet wide stop-use?