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Cleaner Locomotives: Coming to a railroad near you?
Monday, March 08, 2010
Maryland’s MARC has become the first US passenger railroad operator to purchase the latest innovation in clean locomotive technology: MotivePower Inc.‘s MP36, which does not consume fuel while idling (as many locomotives do for extended periods) thanks to an electric auxillary power unit. Trains, already the most fuel-efficient form of land transportation on a per-passenger basis, are becoming even more green thanks in part to their growing stature, which in turn is partly due to travelers’ increased recognition of the environmental impact of getting around. Eliminating idling removes a significant amount of particulate matter from areas around railroad terminals, making the air in places like Washington’s Union Station noticeably purer.
MARC expects lower fuel costs and increased customer satisfaction to come from its investment. Should these predictions prove true, operators around the country should follow suit.
Check out Clean Skies TV’s look at MARC’s new power:
Thanks to former NARP Vice President David Johnson, now Trainmaster at MARC, for bringing this to our attention.
—Malcolm Kenton
Posted by Malcolm Kenton
Tags: clean air, clean skies tv, efficient, green, idling, locomotive, marc, maryland, motivepower, mp36, particulates,©2010 National Association of Railroad Passengers | » NARP website
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