Keolis Commuter Services, the operator of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Commuter Rail, has launched a renewable diesel pilot programme in collaboration with the MBTA. The initiative, aimed at reducing carbon emissions, involves fuelling locomotives at the Newburyport facility with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
Made from vegetable oils and animal fats, HVO is a cleaner alternative to fossil diesel, offering a potential carbon emissions reduction of more than 70% for participating locomotives. The pilot supports Massachusetts’ broader emissions reduction targets and aims to lower the carbon footprint of the commuter rail system while maintaining current locomotive performance.
“We’re pleased to partner with Keolis on this renewable diesel pilot as we continuously seek ways to reduce our carbon footprint… we look forward to evaluating the results of the pilot as we continue to increase resiliency across the system,” MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng said.
“Getting people out of their cars and onto the train is a great first step, and we need to do more if we are going to reach the Commonwealth’s emissions goals. This pilot… can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 70%… We’re pleased to partner with the MBTA to make this pilot project a success,” Keolis CEO and General Manager Abdellah Chajai added.
So far, Keolis reports stable locomotive performance with renewable diesel. Following the pilot, the results will be assessed to determine the potential for wider rollout across the MBTA Commuter Rail network.
Keolis Commuter Services has operated the MBTA Commuter Rail—the sixth largest in North America—for more than a decade. Headquartered in Boston, Keolis North America is part of the Keolis Group, which operates public transport networks in 13 countries worldwide.
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