Metrolink switches to 100 per cent renewable fuel

Credit: Metrolink

Metrolink has publicly shared its switch to renewable fuel, making the passenger rail agency the first in the United States to completely power all its locomotives by the cleaner burning alternative.

“It is a proud achievement to be the first rail agency in the nation to use renewable fuel to move people around southern California,” Ara Najarian, Board Chair of Metrolink, said. “We are committed to continue working toward better air quality in our region and lessening our effect on climate change for the planet.”

To meet its aggressive climate targets, Metrolink launched a pilot program of renewable fuel in its locomotives in early 2021. The renewable product is made of recycled natural fats and vegetable oils. It contains no petroleum fossil fuels and thus burns cleaner reducing harmful pollutants and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions of carbon dioxide by up to 80 per cent.

“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, Board Vice Chair for Metrolink, said. “It is certainly the right thing that we needed to do for the health of our children and our quality of life.”

Metrolink began powering a hundred per cent of all its locomotives with renewable fuel in February 2022. Metrolink shares this cleaner emissions milestone, as it continues to pursue zero-emissions technologies of hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric and regards renewable fuel as a bridge to zero-emissions. By reducing locomotive emissions, Metrolink is easing environmental impacts on climate change and improving air quality for all.

“Metrolink is committed to protecting the environment, embracing social responsibility and creating economic vitality for our region,” Darren Kettle, CEO of Metrolink, said. “Our board-approved Climate Action Plan paved the way to this moment, and it is the first step toward our zero-emissions future.”