Kiera Jefferson
Trains are a significant source of pollution, with diesel engines causing the release of harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide. Electric trains, on the other hand, are emission-free at the point of use, but the electricity they consume is often generated by burning fossil fuels or coal, which produces carbon emissions. In the UK, about 20% of rail traffic relies on diesel locomotives, and similar concerns are raised in the United States, where freight trains are poisoning communities, particularly those of colour and with lower incomes. While diesel trains were once seen as a cleaner alternative to steam engines, the ageing of these trains and their continued use has led to calls for their replacement with zero-emission alternatives.
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What You'll Learn
- Electric trains are emission-free at the point of use, but the electricity used often comes from burning fossil fuels
- Diesel trains produce emissions that reduce air quality and negatively impact health
- Freight trains emit more carbon pollution than many US states
- Old trains are often remanufactured, allowing them to keep running and polluting for decades
- Taking a train instead of a car for medium-length distances would reduce emissions by around 80%
Electric trains are emission-free at the point of use, but the electricity used often comes from burning fossil fuels
Electric trains are emission-free at the point of use, but the electricity used to power them often comes from burning fossil fuels. This means that while electric trains themselves produce zero direct carbon emissions, the process of generating the electricity required to power them can result in significant carbon emissions.
The environmental impact of electric trains depends on the energy sources used to generate the electricity they consume. If the electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels or coal, the carbon emissions associated with this process can be substantial. However, as the world transitions towards cleaner energy sources, the carbon footprint of electric trains can be significantly reduced. For example, if electricity is generated using renewable sources such as wind or solar power, electric trains can provide nearly emissions-free transport.
In some countries, efforts are being made to electrify railway tracks to reduce emissions from diesel trains. For instance, in the UK, about 41% of train tracks are electrified, and the government has announced plans to invest in further electrification projects. Additionally, global bodies promote electrification as a way to reduce operating costs and emissions. As a result, a continuation of electrification growth can be expected.
The benefits of electric trains become more pronounced as the electricity generation industry reduces its carbon levels. Electric trains emit 20% to 35% less carbon per passenger mile than diesel trains. This advantage will become more significant over time as the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources and improves the efficiency of electric motors.
While electric trains offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to diesel trains, it is important to acknowledge that they are not entirely emission-free when the carbon footprint of electricity generation is considered. However, they still play a crucial role in reducing pollution, especially in densely populated areas such as city centres and mainline stations.
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Diesel trains produce emissions that reduce air quality and negatively impact health
Diesel trains emit pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5), sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide. These emissions can reduce air quality, particularly in enclosed railway stations, and have been linked to adverse health effects. A study by the University of Cambridge and other institutions found that the air quality at London's Paddington Station, where up to 70% of trains are diesel-powered, was in breach of European limits for nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Poor air quality resulting from diesel train emissions can have significant health impacts, especially on vulnerable populations. A study by UC Davis on coal train pollution in the San Francisco Bay Area found that coal train emissions disproportionately affect communities of colour, younger and older individuals, and people with low incomes. The study estimated that an increase in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the air could lead to additional deaths within the exposed population.
Diesel trains also contribute to carbon pollution, which is a significant contributor to climate change. The freight rail system in the United States, for example, emits more carbon pollution than many individual states. Efforts are being made to reduce emissions from diesel trains, such as the implementation of particle filters on diesel engines by some railroad companies. However, older diesel trains that do not meet modern emissions regulations are still in operation, contributing to air pollution and health risks.
To mitigate the negative impacts of diesel trains, electrification of rail networks and the adoption of hybrid and zero-emission locomotives are necessary. While electric trains can be emission-free, the generation of electricity from fossil fuels or coal can result in carbon emissions. Therefore, the transition to renewable energy sources for powering electric trains is crucial for reducing environmental impacts. Additionally, the development of hydrogen technology for propulsion offers a promising low-carbon alternative for the rail industry.
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Freight trains emit more carbon pollution than many US states
Trains are a more environmentally friendly mode of transport than cars and planes. However, diesel trains produce harmful emissions, and electric trains are preferable from an environmental standpoint. In the UK, about 20% of rail traffic is hauled by diesel locomotives, and up to 70% of trains passing through London's Paddington Station are powered by diesel engines.
In the US, freight trains emit more carbon pollution than many individual states. Over 13 million people in the US are impacted by locomotive pollution, particularly people of colour and lower-income individuals. Locomotive exhaust contains pollutants like particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides, which create smog and are linked to heart, lung, and cardiovascular disease and asthma. The rail industry has been accused of remanufacturing old, polluting locomotives, keeping them running for decades with severe health consequences for nearby communities.
In California, new rules have been passed to fund cleaner, zero-emission locomotives, reduce rail idling near homes and schools, and drive the turnover of older trains. However, the Association of American Railroads has resisted these changes, suing California to block the rules. If implemented, these rules would cut smog-forming nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution by nearly 400,000 tons and are predicted to save 3,200 lives and cut regional cancer risk by 90%.
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Old trains are often remanufactured, allowing them to keep running and polluting for decades
Trains are a significant source of pollution, especially those that run on diesel engines. Electric trains, on the other hand, are emission-free at the point of use. However, only about 41% of train tracks in the UK are electrified, and similar statistics are seen across Europe, with about 50% of train lines remaining non-electrified.
The pollution produced by diesel trains is a serious issue, with emissions far exceeding European recommendations. This is particularly evident in enclosed railway stations, where the air quality can be significantly impacted, posing health risks to passengers and workers. The emissions from diesel trains include particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide, all of which have harmful effects on human health.
In the United States, the problem is exacerbated by the fact that rail companies often "remanufacture" or refurbish old, polluting locomotives instead of replacing them with cleaner alternatives. These older trains, some of which date back to the last century, are repaired just enough to keep them running, resulting in decades of additional pollution and severe health consequences for surrounding communities. This practice of remanufacturing allows rail companies to exploit regulatory loopholes and avoid investing in zero-emission technology.
The negative health impacts of diesel train emissions are well-documented. Studies have linked locomotive pollution to increased rates of lung cancer, asthma, and other respiratory and cardiovascular issues. The American Lung Association's 2025 State of Air report found that nearly half of Americans are breathing unhealthy levels of air pollution, with locomotives being a leading contributor.
To address this issue, there have been calls for stricter regulations and the implementation of zero-emission locomotives. Environmental justice leaders and communities affected by train pollution are advocating for change, and states like California are taking steps to fund cleaner locomotives and reduce rail idling near residential areas. However, the rail industry has resisted these efforts, highlighting the complex nature of the problem.
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Taking a train instead of a car for medium-length distances would reduce emissions by around 80%
Trains are nearly always the winning option over moderate-to-long distances. Taking a train instead of a car for medium-length distances would reduce emissions by around 80%. This is because trains are more energy-efficient than cars. According to the US Department of Energy, commuter rail energy intensity is 1,804 kilojoules per kilometre (2,751 BTU/mi), while automobiles are 2,327 kilojoules per kilometre (3,549 BTU/mi).
However, it is important to note that the type of train and the type of car being compared are important factors. Electric trains are emission-free at the point of use, but the electricity used to power them is predominantly generated by burning fossil fuels or coal, which produce large amounts of carbon emissions. About 20% of Europe's rail traffic is hauled by diesel locomotives, and in the UK, only 41% of train tracks are electrified. Diesel trains emit large quantities of pollutants, leading to poor air quality and dangerous health issues. In the US, freight trains emit more carbon pollution than many states, and the rail industry has been accused of "remanufacturing" old locomotives to keep them running, despite the health consequences for nearby communities.
On the other hand, electric cars have higher emissions during their production but lower emissions during use compared to petrol or diesel cars. They emit less even in countries with a high-carbon electricity mix, and powering them from a low-carbon grid offers the greatest benefits.
Therefore, taking a train instead of a car for medium-length distances can significantly reduce emissions, especially if the train is electric or hybrid. However, the specific context, such as the type of train and car, the number of passengers, and the energy mix of the region, should also be considered.
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Frequently asked questions
Trains are nearly always the winning option over moderate-to-long distances. For example, taking a train instead of a car for medium-length distances would reduce emissions by around 80%. Similarly, using a train instead of a domestic flight would reduce emissions by around 86%.
Pollution from freight trains is poisoning millions of Americans. More than 13 million people in the US are directly impacted by locomotive pollution, predominantly people of colour and lower-income individuals. Locomotive exhaust contains pollutants like particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides, which create a lethal form of air pollution called smog.
In the UK, 41% of train tracks are electrified. About 20% of Europe's current rail traffic is hauled by diesel locomotives, with countries like the UK, Greece, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania being highly dependent on diesel traction. UK railway stations are not required to comply with air quality standards imposed by the EU, and British rolling stock has a mean age of 18 years, meaning a sizeable portion was deployed before EU emissions regulations took effect.
While Europe has made great advances in electrification, with 53% of the EEA-33 area's rail network electrified by 2013, approximately half of the train lines in Europe remain non-electrified.
