Keolis and the MBTA have launched a renewable diesel pilot to reduce emissions across Boston.

The pilot, which began in April, follows on from Keolis and the MBTA’s move to bring battery-electric multiple units into service on lines by 2028.

The pilot was first brought into operation in April

© Keolis

The parties will study the performance of the renewable diesel over the course of the next six months before making a decision on its expansion to other locations across the system once it has been concluded.

Keolis currently utilises up to 3,000 gallons of renewable diesel each day, which accounts for roughly 10% of all fuel consumed across the network.

The renewable diesel, which is expected to reduce overall emissions by at least 70%, is created primarily with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), and is already in use in operation in similar locomotives in service on Southern California’s MetroLink network, as well as some US freight railroads.

Abdellah Chajai, CEO and General Manger, Keolis Commuter Services, said:

As ridership returns to pre-pandemic levels, getting people out of their cars has been an important first step in reducing emissions.

Renewable diesel presents a great opportunity to take the next step and significantly reduce emissions quickly and affordably while we look to the future of zero-emissions systemwide.

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