Metrolink, a regional passenger rail service serving southern California, recently held a press conference to announce its switch to renewable fuel.
Metrolink is the first agency in the country to completely power its locomotives using a cleaner burning alternative.
“This transition by Metrolink to using renewable fuel will help further reduce the air pollutants from our locomotives and improve the air quality for all the communities along our 538 miles of track,” Larry McCallon, Metrolink board vice chairman, said. “It is certainly the right thing that we needed to do for the health of our children and our quality of life.”
The switch occurred in February. The renewable fuel in use comprises recycled natural fats and vegetable oils. Because it contains no petroleum fossil fuels, it burns cleaner and reduces harmful pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions caused by carbon dioxide by up to 80 percent.
At the beginning of 2021, Metrolink launched a pilot program for renewable fuel in its locomotives to reach its climate targets.
The agency is pursuing zero-emissions technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells and battery electric, and considers renewable fuel as a bridge to reaching its zero-emissions goal.
Metrolink services Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.