Expanding Regional Trains: Reducing Air Pollution?

The question of whether expanding regional train services reduces air pollution is a pressing one, particularly in the context of the climate crisis. In Germany, a study found that increasing rail services by 10% reduced carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide pollution by 1% and 2% respectively. This was due to a reduction in car and motorcycle use, especially for leisure and shopping trips.

In the US, freight trains are a major cause of air pollution and environmental injustice, with over 13 million people living near railyards, rail lines, and ports. Locomotive exhaust contains pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which have been linked to serious health issues and increased cancer risk.

In China, the opening of new subway systems has been shown to significantly improve air quality, with a greater reduction in pollution in cities in the eastern and western regions, and in cities with higher GDP or larger populations.

Overall, the expansion of regional train services can lead to a reduction in air pollution, particularly when it leads to a decrease in the use of more polluting modes of transportation.

Reducing locomotive idling

Locomotive idling is a significant contributor to air pollution, and reducing it can have far-reaching benefits. There are two primary methods for reducing idling: behavioural strategies and idling reduction technologies (IRTs).

Behavioural Strategies

Behavioural strategies involve implementing policies and programs that limit locomotive idling between work events. This includes training employees to use techniques to eliminate unnecessary idling and setting time limits on idling when the main engine is not required.

Idling Reduction Technologies (IRTs)

IRTs are alternative technologies that reduce long-duration idling of the main propulsion engine. There are four types of IRTs for locomotives:

• Automatic engine shut down/start-up systems: These systems control the engine by stopping or starting it automatically without operator action.
• Fuel-operated heaters: Also known as direct-fired heaters, these systems heat the coolant and oil to allow main engine shutdown in cold temperatures without the need for a generator.
• Auxiliary power units/generator sets: These are diesel-powered engines installed on the locomotive to provide air conditioning, heat, and electrical power for accessories.
• Shore connection systems: This system allows locomotives to "plug into" an electrical power source instead of using their diesel engines while at the rail yard.

By implementing these strategies and technologies, significant benefits can be achieved, including decreased fuel and maintenance costs, extended engine life, improved operator well-being, reduced harmful emissions, and improved relationships with surrounding communities.

Upgrading older locomotives

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that rail companies prioritise the upgrade of the oldest locomotives with the highest annual operating hours. This strategy ensures the greatest emissions reduction benefits. Additionally, it is advisable to upgrade engines to meet the most stringent EPA emissions standards. While full replacements are generally only feasible for engines that do not meet Tier 1 standards, EPA-certified remanufactured kits are available for engines that comply with Tier 1 standards and above.

Upgrades to older locomotives can include the following:

• Verified engine upgrade kits, such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems.
• Mother-slug combinations, where two locomotive units operate in tandem, with only one unit housing a combustion engine.
• GenSet technology, which utilises multiple smaller, low-emission diesel electric engines that can be electronically controlled to start or stop based on power demands.
• Alternative fuels, including zero-emissions options like electric and fuel cell engines.

Union Pacific, for example, has committed to investing over $1 billion to upgrade 600 of its old diesel locomotives, making them more efficient and reducing carbon emissions. This initiative will enhance fuel efficiency by up to 18% and enable more reliable peak power generation. Locomotive manufacturer Wabtec will be responsible for overhauling the engines and installing new software and electronic controls.

Overall, upgrading older locomotives is a crucial step in reducing air pollution, particularly at rail facilities, and can lead to significant environmental and economic benefits.

Locomotive activity near at-risk populations

• Relocating rail operations: Moving maintenance and locomotive operations away from populated areas can reduce exposure to rail-related air pollution and noise. If relocation is not feasible, operators should prioritise reducing idling and upgrading older locomotive engines.
• Alternative locations: Exploring alternative locations for rail operations that are farther away from sensitive locations, such as schools, daycare centres, parks, residences, and healthcare facilities.
• Physical or vegetative barriers: Installing physical barriers, such as sound walls, or vegetative barriers, such as trees or bushes, can help reduce air pollutant concentrations near the rail facility. However, these barriers may also increase concentrations near the locomotive operations and upwind areas.
• Improved air filtration: Working with managers of nearby buildings to install improved air filtration units can help reduce the adverse health effects of air pollution exposure for at-risk populations.
• Collaboration with community leaders: Engaging with local leaders, planning authorities, and health and environmental agencies can help identify potential solutions and ensure that the needs of the community are considered.
• Optimised scheduling: Implementing optimised locomotive, freight car, and crew scheduling can reduce idling and improve the efficiency of rail operations, thereby reducing emissions.
• Expansion and relocation of facilities: Expanding facilities to increase capacity or relocating them away from congested areas can improve track availability and reduce locomotive idling time.

By adopting these strategies, rail facility operators can minimise the impact of locomotive activity on at-risk populations and improve air quality in nearby communities.

Expansion and relocation of rail facilities

Railways have played a crucial role in connecting communities and facilitating trade across Canada. As cities continue to expand, there is a growing demand for efficient and safe rail transportation. While rail relocation may seem like a straightforward solution, it is a complex and costly endeavour.

Rail Relocation Challenges

When it comes to relocating rail lines and yards, several challenges arise. Firstly, railways and municipalities must acquire new land, conduct environmental assessments, and address the concerns of affected stakeholders. Additionally, any land previously owned by railway companies that is earmarked for redevelopment must undergo extensive environmental remediation, which can be a lengthy and expensive process. Relocating rail tracks can also negatively impact intercity and commuter passenger railways, which depend on urban access to provide efficient service to customers.

Factors Driving Rail Relocation

Rail relocation proposals may originate from municipal authorities aiming to find new locations that are less disruptive to their citizens. However, these suggestions often overlook the potential impact on customers and neighbouring communities. In some cases, railway companies themselves drive relocation projects due to outgrowing their existing footprint or the need to upgrade or expand their facilities.

Legal Framework for Railway Line Relocation

In Canada, the Railway Relocation and Crossing Act (RRCA) outlines the legal framework for railway line relocation in urban areas. If provincial or municipal authorities cannot reach an agreement with a railway company, they can apply to the Canadian Transportation Agency for an order to implement an accepted plan. The Agency has the power to direct railway companies to remove structures, construct new facilities, or cease operations on specific lines. However, these powers are contingent on certain criteria being met, including ensuring no net cost to the railway company.

Benefits of Rail Expansion and Relocation

Expanding and relocating rail facilities can bring about several benefits. It can help alleviate traffic congestion, reduce air pollution by providing an alternative to road transportation, and improve the efficiency of freight and passenger rail services. Additionally, rail relocation can create new development opportunities for communities, revitalising previously underutilised areas.

Considerations for Rail Expansion and Relocation

When expanding or relocating rail facilities, several factors must be carefully considered. These include the potential impact on neighbouring communities, the availability of suitable land, and the financial implications for all stakeholders involved. Additionally, the environmental impact of any proposed changes must be thoroughly assessed to ensure they do not exacerbate existing issues or create new ones.

Policy implementation

Expanding regional train services can be an effective strategy for reducing air pollution, particularly in highly populated areas. Implementing such policies involves a range of considerations and actions to ensure successful outcomes. Here are some key steps and recommendations for policy implementation:

Assess Current Rail Services and Pollution Levels:

Begin by evaluating the existing regional train services, including the frequency of trains, the age and emission standards of locomotives, and the coverage of the rail network. Additionally, conduct a comprehensive assessment of air pollution levels in the region, identifying areas with high pollution concentrations, particularly near railyards, rail lines, and ports.

Encourage Modal Shift:

Promote the use of trains for medium to long-distance travel as an alternative to car and air travel. Walking, cycling, and public transportation should be encouraged for shorter distances. Provide incentives for passengers to choose trains over other modes of transport, such as discounted fares, improved amenities, and convenient scheduling.

Upgrade Older Locomotives:

Prioritize the replacement or upgrade of older locomotives with newer, more efficient models that meet stringent emission standards. This includes investing in zero-emission locomotives and exploring alternative fuels. Remanufactured kits, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, mother-slug locomotive combinations, and GenSet technology can help reduce emissions from existing locomotives.

Implement Idle Reduction Strategies:

Reduce idle emissions from locomotives by adopting technologies such as automatic engine shut-down/start-up systems, auxiliary power units, fuel-operated heaters, and shore connection systems. Establish policies to minimize locomotive idling, especially in cold weather conditions, to prevent engine freezing.

Optimize Rail Facility Operations:

Improve the configuration and scheduling of rail facilities to reduce idling and enhance efficiency in maneuvering, loading, and unloading activities. Consider expanding facilities to increase capacity and relocating them away from congested areas to minimize locomotive waiting times.

Engage with Communities:

Work collaboratively with community leaders and local planning, health, and environmental agencies to address rail-related air pollution concerns. Explore options to relocate rail operations away from sensitive locations, such as schools, residential areas, and healthcare facilities. Implement mitigation strategies, such as improved air filtration systems and physical or vegetative barriers, to reduce air pollutant exposure for vulnerable populations.

Collaborate with Rail Companies:

Engage with rail companies and freight operators to ensure their cooperation and commitment to reducing pollution. Encourage the adoption of cleaner technologies and practices, providing incentives or regulations as needed to ensure compliance.

Monitor and Evaluate:

Establish systems to monitor air quality and locomotive emissions before, during, and after the implementation of expanded regional train services. This data will help track the effectiveness of the policy and identify areas for improvement.

Long-Term Planning:

Recognize that the benefits of expanded regional train services may take time to materialize. Plan for sustained investment and continued optimization of the rail network to reduce air pollution over the long term.

Learn from Successful Examples:

Study and emulate successful implementations of expanded regional train services that have led to significant air pollution reductions. For example, the Eurostar in France offers a highly effective alternative to short-haul flights, reducing journey emissions by around 97%.

Frequently asked questions