Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner Embraces Sustainability with Transition to Renewable Fuel, Cutting Emissions by 63%
Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, the organization behind Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner service, is proud to announce a significant step towards a more sustainable future. The passenger rail fleet will now run on renewable diesel (RD), a fuel alternative made from renewable raw materials like used cooking oil. This transition marks a tremendous milestone in reducing the carbon footprint of rail travel in Southern California, with estimates suggesting a 63% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions throughout the fuel’s lifecycle.
Jewel Edson, Chair of the LOSSAN Agency Board of Directors, expressed her enthusiasm for this environmental achievement, stating, The adoption of renewable diesel for our Pacific Surfliner service is an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to environmental preservation and the fight against climate change. Edson also emphasized the agency’s partnership with Amtrak, state and federal agencies, rail equipment manufacturers, and fuel distributors who all share the same dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability.
The shift to renewable diesel is the result of a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders such as the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Amtrak, the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority, and various other partners. By harnessing the Department of Energy GREET model and the Department of Energy Transportation Energy Data Book, the agencies were able to calculate the significant reduction in emissions achieved through this fuel transition.
It is important to note that the Pacific Surfliner service is already a highly efficient mode of travel, as trains are 46% more energy-efficient than cars. Additionally, the Pacific Surfliner currently operates with diesel-electric Charger locomotives, which have received the stringent Tier IV emissions certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This makes them one of the cleanest diesel-electric passenger locomotives in operation. The integration of renewable diesel into the fleet’s fuel system is yet another significant stride towards reducing both the Pacific Surfliner and its passengers’ carbon footprint.
The Pacific Surfliner route covers a 351-mile span, serving 29 stations across San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. As the busiest state-supported intercity passenger rail route in the United States, the environmentally conscious shift to renewable fuel will provide significant benefits in terms of emissions reduction and improved local air quality.
With this latest development, the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency continues its commitment to enhancing passenger rail ridership, revenue, on-time performance, operational flexibility, and safety throughout the region. By prioritizing sustainability and collaborating with various stakeholders, the agency sets an example for others to follow in the pursuit of a greener future for transportation.
For more information on the Pacific Surfliner and to plan your next journey on this eco-friendly rail service, please visit pacificsurfliner.com.
About the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency
The LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency is a joint powers authority responsible for managing the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service. Comprised of rail owners, operators, and planning agencies along the 351-mile LOSSAN rail corridor, the agency’s mission is to improve passenger rail ridership, revenue, on-time performance, operational flexibility, and safety within its service area. The LOSSAN Agency works closely with the Orange County Transportation Authority, which provides the necessary administrative support for the agency and its board. To learn more, visit Lossan.org.
