Amtrak has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for solutions that could help transform its rail fleet with zero-emission technologies.
This initiative is part of the company’s long-term goal of eliminating emissions used to power Amtrak trains.
Amtrak President Roger Harris said:Finding the cleanest technologies to carry customers across our vast network will be transformative as we deliver a new era of rail. We are excited to take this important step toward providing safe and reliable service with a smaller impact on the environment.
The RFI supports the US National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization by 2050. Ahead of this mission, Amtrak aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2045 as part of its Climate Commitment.
To reach this ambitious goal, Amtrak has:
- Committed to doubling ridership from 2019 levels to 66 million riders per year by 2040, thus displacing more energy-intensive car and plane trips
- Procured more than half of the company’s electricity from carbon-free sources with the goal of achieving 100% by 2030
- Supported California partners in a May 2023 switch to renewable diesel (RD) on Amtrak Capitol Corridor, Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquins trains
In addition, the operator has ordered the following rolling stock:
- 83 new Amtrak Airo trains that will operate on the fully-electrified Northeast Corridor and on routes throughout the country producing 90% less particulate emissions in diesel operations
- 28 new all-electric, high-speed Acela trains that are designed to use 40% less energy per passenger than the existing Acela fleet
- EPA Tier 4 compliant Siemens Charger locomotives which significantly reduce criteria air pollutants (CAP) compared to existing equipment
Part of Amtrak’s passenger fleet is already powered by zero-emission equipment, including 108 electric Northeast Regional and Acela locomotives.
The results of the RFI will inform Amtrak’s future decisions to procure the most energy-efficient and sustainable fleet for deployment across Amtrak’s entire network.
