Wedoany.com Report-May 27, Keolis Commuter Services, the operations and maintenance partner for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Commuter Rail, has initiated a pilot program using renewable diesel for select locomotives at the Newburyport Commuter Rail facility in Massachusetts. The initiative, developed with the MBTA, aims to reduce emissions and support the state’s sustainability goals by lowering the rail system’s carbon footprint.

The pilot involves fueling all locomotives stationed at Newburyport with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable diesel made from vegetable oils and animal fats. HVO emits significantly less carbon than traditional fossil diesel, offering a more sustainable fuel option. MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng stated: “We’re pleased to partner with Keolis on this renewable diesel pilot as we continuously seek ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Testing alternative fuel sources for our Commuter Rail fleet joins other efforts at the T to lower our carbon emissions.”

Abdellah Chajai, CEO and General Manager of Keolis, 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 program is a great opportunity to utilize an innovative new approach and can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 70% for these locomotives compared to fossil diesel.” Initial results show consistent locomotive performance with renewable diesel, and Keolis and MBTA plan to assess the fuel’s effectiveness at the pilot’s conclusion to consider expanding it to other Commuter Rail locations.

The use of renewable diesel enables Keolis and MBTA to reduce emissions using the existing fleet, accelerating progress toward environmental targets. Keolis Commuter Services, a subsidiary of Keolis North America, has managed the MBTA Commuter Rail, North America’s sixth-largest commuter rail system, for over a decade. Headquartered in Boston, Keolis employs around 2,500 people in the region and is part of the global Keolis Group, a leader in transit services operating in 13 countries.

This pilot underscores Keolis and MBTA’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions, enhancing the environmental performance of the Commuter Rail while maintaining reliable service for passengers across Massachusetts.