Bronte Wells
Freight trains are a significant source of pollution, with the freight rail system causing both climate change and environmental injustice. In the US, freight trains emit more carbon pollution than many states, impacting the health of over 13 million people, predominantly people of colour and lower-income individuals. While electric trains are emission-free, diesel trains, particularly those operating in enclosed stations, emit large quantities of pollutants, reducing air quality and threatening the well-being of travellers and workers. However, advancements in technology are being made to reduce emissions, with some freight railroads piloting zero-emission technologies and implementing fuel-saving software.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pollution caused by freight trains | Diesel engines |
| Rail freight's contribution to global emissions | 0.8% between 1990 and 2009 |
| Rail freight's contribution to transport sector emissions | 22% of global emissions |
| Rail freight's carbon emissions | Lower than trucks |
| Rail freight's fuel efficiency | 3-4 times more fuel-efficient than trucks |
| Rail freight's energy efficiency | 7 times more energy-efficient than trucks |
| Rail freight's sustainability | Hydrogen fuel cell locomotives, hybrid consist models, and electric cranes are being piloted |
| Rail freight's impact on climate change | Railroads are working with suppliers and partners to reduce GHG emissions |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric trains are emission-free, but diesel trains emit pollutants in enclosed stations
- Rail companies are remanufacturing old locomotives to keep them running, despite huge health consequences
- Freight trains are more fuel-efficient than trucks, but trucks are becoming cleaner
- Railroads are developing fuel-saving software and implementing sustainable practices
- Locomotive fleets could use Tier 4 technology to reduce PM2.5 and NOX emissions by over 80%
Electric trains are emission-free, but diesel trains emit pollutants in enclosed stations
Electric trains are emission-free at the point of use, while diesel trains emit pollutants in enclosed stations, which can be detrimental to human health. The UK, Greece, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are among the countries highly dependent on diesel traction, with about 20% of Europe's current rail traffic hauled by diesel locomotives.
Diesel trains operating in enclosed stations emit large quantities of pollutants, leading to poor air quality and threatening the well-being of frequent travelers and workers. An independent study by the University of Cambridge, the University of Minnesota, and Minnesota State University Mankato found that the air quality in London Paddington train station—evaluated over five days—was in breach of European limits regarding nitrogen dioxide (NO2) for outdoor air quality.
The UK has also recognized the need for improvement, with Public Health England estimating that 29,000 deaths a year in the country are caused by air pollution. While legislation for environmental standards for non-road vehicles powered by diesel engines has existed since 1997, the EU is pushing for further cutbacks in energy consumption and CO2 emissions from train operations by 2030.
To address the issue of diesel train emissions, several countries and regions are transitioning to electric trains. For example, the UK government has announced a £4.2 billion investment in railway electrification projects, including an "electric spine" between Yorkshire and the south coast ports. Similarly, California is at the forefront of the shift to cleaner trains, with the Air Resources Board passing rules to fund zero-emission locomotives and reduce rail idling near homes and schools.
The transition to electric trains is supported by scientific consensus, which asserts that global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 to limit global warming and minimize climate catastrophe. Improved and cheaper battery technology also makes this transition more feasible and economical.
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Rail companies are remanufacturing old locomotives to keep them running, despite huge health consequences
Diesel trains emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. These emissions contribute to poor air quality and have been linked to serious health issues, including respiratory problems and an increased risk of cancer. The impact is particularly severe for communities living near freight railroads, with over 13 million people in the US—predominantly people of colour and lower-income individuals—bearing the brunt of locomotive pollution.
To address this issue, some countries are transitioning to cleaner technologies, such as electric, hydrogen, or zero-emission locomotives. California, for instance, has passed rules to fund cleaner locomotives and reduce rail idling near residential areas and schools. However, rail companies are resisting these changes, suing to block the implementation of stricter emissions regulations.
While it may be challenging and costly to replace or retrofit older diesel locomotives, the health and environmental consequences of remanufacturing them are significant. The continued use of outdated locomotives not only perpetuates air pollution and its associated health risks but also hinders the transition to cleaner alternatives, delaying progress towards environmental justice and national emissions reduction goals.
As such, it is imperative that rail companies prioritize the replacement of old locomotives with modern, emission-free alternatives. By investing in zero-emission technologies and supporting regulatory efforts, rail companies can play a crucial role in improving air quality, protecting vulnerable communities, and contributing to the global fight against climate change. While some argue that steam locomotives may be a slightly less harmful alternative, the reality is that most pollution is caused by uncontrolled emissions in countries with little environmental regulation.
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Freight trains are more fuel-efficient than trucks, but trucks are becoming cleaner
Freight trains are more fuel-efficient than trucks, but trucks are catching up in terms of cleanliness. Rail freight transportation has several advantages over truck transport. Trains have a higher carrying capacity, with rail cars able to hold three to four times the cargo of a truck. This means a single freight train can carry the load of over 300 trucks, reducing traffic congestion and improving the efficiency of transportation infrastructure. Trains are also more fuel-efficient, especially over long distances. In the US, freight trains can move one ton of goods approximately 470 miles on a single gallon of fuel, compared to a truck's 134 miles per gallon of diesel. This makes rail three to four times more fuel-efficient than trucks. Railway locomotives are also evolving to be more energy-efficient, with many now conforming to EPA Tier 4B requirements and featuring automatic engine shutdowns and computer-controlled engine management to minimize fuel wastage.
However, the freight rail system also contributes to climate change and environmental injustice. In the US, polluting freight train and truck routes often run through or parallel to communities of colour and low-income communities, exposing over 13 million people to locomotive pollution and poor air quality. While rail travel is considered one of the greenest modes of transportation, with rail accounting for only 0.8% of the transport sector's global emissions between 1990 and 2009, diesel trains operating in enclosed stations can emit large quantities of pollutants, impacting air quality and threatening the health of passengers, workers, and nearby communities.
To address these issues, states and cities are investing in initiatives to convert freight from truck to rail, and companies are developing cleaner locomotives. California, for example, has passed rules to fund cleaner locomotives and reduce rail idling near homes and schools, with the goal of triggering decarbonization in the industry. While moving cargo by train may have produced fewer emissions than trucks in the past, trucks in California have become much cleaner over the last decade and are moving towards zero-emission technology. By 2023, trucks in California are projected to produce fewer emissions than trains, making them the cleaner mode of freight transportation.
Overall, while freight trains are currently more fuel-efficient than trucks, trucks are becoming cleaner, and regulations and technological advancements are driving the transition to zero-emission vehicles in the transportation industry.
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Railroads are developing fuel-saving software and implementing sustainable practices
Railroads are increasingly adopting sustainable practices and developing fuel-saving software to reduce their environmental impact and build a more resilient network in the face of climate change.
One of the key initiatives is the development and implementation of advanced fuel management systems, which can improve fuel efficiency by up to 14%. Additionally, stop-start technology is being utilized to reduce idle time and cut fuel waste by 50%. Railroads are also exploring alternative fuel sources, such as battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell locomotives, and testing hybrid consist models that capture braking energy, resulting in a reduction of emissions by nearly 30%.
Freight railroads are making significant investments in infrastructure, equipment, and technology to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, Union Pacific's Energy Management System (EMS), installed on over 3,500 locomotives, acts as an intelligent cruise control system, optimizing throttle and braking based on various factors. In 2023, EMS reduced fuel consumption by 18 million gallons and lowered greenhouse gas emissions by 247,000 metric tons.
To further enhance sustainability, railroads are adopting recycling programs, resource management, electricity conservation, and landscape protection initiatives. They are also working towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions by refining operating practices and collaborating with suppliers, customers, and supply chain partners.
The implementation of new technologies, such as the Trip Optimizer and Smart HPT, is also contributing to fuel savings. The Trip Optimizer system, for instance, is designed to generate significant fuel savings, while Smart HPT controls idling to maintain planned speed and conserve fuel. These advancements, along with improved training for engineers on fuel-efficient practices, demonstrate railroads' commitment to sustainability and reducing their environmental footprint.
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Locomotive fleets could use Tier 4 technology to reduce PM2.5 and NOX emissions by over 80%
While rail travel is one of the greenest modes of transportation, diesel trains operating in enclosed stations emit large quantities of pollutants, threatening the health and well-being of travellers and workers. In the US, the freight rail system is a major cause of climate change and environmental injustice, with freight trains emitting more carbon pollution than many states.
In 2020, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) compared the emissions from trucks and trains moving cargo containers and found that trucks would be the cleaner mode to transport freight by 2023. CARB staff determined that trucks will produce less particulate matter (PM2.5) and oxides of nitrogen (NOX) emissions. Locomotive fleets could use commercially available Tier 4 technology to reduce PM2.5 and NOX emissions by over 80% compared to typical trains operating in 2020. Tier 4 standards require the use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel, and the availability of exhaust gas aftertreatment technologies, such as particulate filters for PM control, and urea-SCR for NOx emission control.
Wabtec's innovative Tier 4 Engine uses exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology instead of aftertreatment technology, avoiding the need for expensive and performance-draining emissions systems. The Tier 4 Engine has achieved a 90% reduction in PM and NOx emissions, making it a popular choice for customers. More than 1,000 Wabtec Tier 4 locomotives are in operation today, delivering 4,500 horsepower and a maximum speed of 75 mph while pulling thousands of tons of freight.
In addition to Tier 4 technology, the introduction of Tier 5 technology will further reduce train emissions to keep pace with the transition to zero-emission trucks in California.
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Frequently asked questions
Freight trains are responsible for a significant amount of pollution, especially in the United States, where the freight rail system emits more carbon pollution than many states. In addition, diesel trains operating in enclosed stations can emit large quantities of pollutants, affecting air quality and the health of travellers and workers.
Freight trains are more fuel-efficient and produce lower carbon emissions than trucks. Trains can move one ton of goods approximately 470 miles on a single gallon of fuel, while trucks can only travel 134 miles per gallon of diesel. As a result, freight trains emit one-seventh of the greenhouse gases emitted by trucks per ton-mile.
Various initiatives are being implemented to reduce freight train pollution. Railroads are investing in infrastructure, equipment, and technology, such as zero-emission cranes and low-emitting hostlers, to reduce emissions at rail hubs. Locomotive fleets are also adopting advanced fuel management systems and stop-start technology to improve fuel efficiency and reduce idle time. Additionally, states like California are implementing regulations to fund cleaner locomotives and reduce rail idling near residential areas.
