Bronte Wells
Trains are a popular mode of transport, but do they pollute the environment? Electric trains are considered the best and most efficient form of transportation, with zero emissions. However, diesel trains, which are still in use in many parts of the world, emit pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, contributing to poor air quality and health issues. In the US, freight trains and their routes often impact communities of color and low-income communities, exposing them to transportation pollution. While trains are generally cleaner than planes, the carbon footprint of train travel varies depending on the energy source and distance traveled. To reduce pollution, some regions are transitioning to cleaner locomotives and improving ventilation and braking systems in subway trains. Overall, the impact of trains on the environment is complex and depends on various factors, but efforts are being made to mitigate their environmental impact.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Trains vs. planes | Trains emit less carbon dioxide than planes. A London-Madrid trip emits 43kg of CO2 by train, but 118kg by plane. |
| Trains vs. cars | Trains emit less carbon dioxide than cars. National rail emits 35 grams per kilometer, while the average petrol car emits 170 grams. |
| Trains vs. buses | In the U.S., buses are more environmentally friendly than trains, as trains run on diesel fuel and require more infrastructure. However, trains can carry more passengers, making them more efficient in terms of energy expended per person. |
| Pollution rules | The EPA has not updated locomotive pollution rules in 15 years. California has passed rules to fund cleaner locomotives and reduce rail idling. |
| Rail companies' response | Rail companies are remanufacturing old locomotives to keep them running, which has health consequences for nearby communities. |
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What You'll Learn
Electric trains are the most efficient form of transport
Firstly, electric trains are more energy-efficient than cars. Passenger transportation by rail systems requires only one-seventh of the energy needed to move a person by car in an urban context. This is because trains have high ridership, low drag, and high electrification rates. The specific energy consumption of trains worldwide is about 150 kJ/pkm (kilojoule per passenger kilometre) in terms of final energy.
Secondly, electric trains are more environmentally friendly than planes. Flights produce greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2), from burning fuel, which contributes to global warming. An economy-class return flight from London to New York emits an estimated 0.67 tonnes of CO2 per passenger. In contrast, a journey from London to Madrid would emit 43kg of CO2 by train, according to EcoPassenger. Additionally, newer planes can be more efficient, and some airlines are better at filling seats, which affects the emissions per passenger.
However, it is important to note that the efficiency of electric trains can vary depending on various factors. For example, the age of the trains and the source of electricity generation can impact their environmental impact. Older trains may not be as energy-efficient as modern electric trains, which use regenerative braking to return current to the catenary while braking. Additionally, the electricity used to power the trains may be generated from non-renewable sources, which can increase the carbon footprint of the rail system.
In conclusion, electric trains are a more efficient form of transport than other means of transportation when considering energy consumption and environmental impact. However, there are still areas for improvement, such as updating old train fleets and transitioning to renewable energy sources for electricity generation, to further reduce the carbon footprint of the rail industry.
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Diesel trains are highly polluting
In the United States, the rail industry has been criticized for remanufacturing and prolonging the use of old, polluting locomotives, rather than investing in cleaner, zero-emission alternatives. This issue is particularly prevalent in California, where millions of Americans are exposed to freight train pollution, leading to community demands for change.
Similarly, in the United Kingdom, up to 70% of trains passing through London's Paddington station are powered by diesel engines, many of which are old and exempt from modern diesel locomotive regulations. The lack of air quality standards for UK railway stations and the aging fleet of diesel trains contribute to poor air quality and increased pollution.
The European Commission estimates that about 20% of Europe's rail traffic is hauled by diesel locomotives, with countries like the UK, Greece, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania highly dependent on diesel traction. While there have been advances in electrification, approximately half of the train lines in Europe remain non-electrified.
The rail industry's resistance to change and prioritization of profit margins have hindered efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Government inaction and lax regulations have also played a role in allowing the rail industry to continue operating polluting diesel trains. As a result, communities near rail yards and transportation hubs bear the brunt of the pollution, suffering significant health consequences.
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Rail companies are resisting electrification
Electric trains are emission-free at the point of use, and electric railways offer better energy efficiency, lower emissions, and lower operating costs compared to diesel engines. However, rail companies are resisting electrification, prioritising short-term economic gains over environmental sustainability.
In the United States, powerful rail companies that operate freight trains are resisting decarbonisation efforts. California has taken the lead in addressing this issue, with the Air Resources Board passing rules to fund cleaner locomotives, reduce rail idling, and drive the turnover of older models. However, the Association of American Railroads has responded by suing California to block these rules, demonstrating their resistance to electrification and prioritisation of financial interests over environmental concerns.
The Association of American Railroads is not alone in its resistance to electrification. The EPA has failed to update federal locomotive pollution rules for 15 years, despite the urgent need for action. The EPA Administrator, Michael Regan, has committed to addressing climate and environmental justice, but concrete steps towards decarbonising the freight system are yet to be seen.
In Europe, while rail is considered the most environmentally-friendly form of surface transport, there is room for improvement. About 20% of Europe's rail traffic relies on diesel locomotives, and peak-time emissions from diesel trains at London's Paddington Station exceed European recommendations. The UK, Greece, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are highly dependent on diesel traction, and "zombie trains" that emit pollutants and pose health risks continue to operate.
Electrification of railways comes with challenges, including high capital costs, lack of flexibility due to the need for third rails or overhead wires, and vulnerability to power interruptions. Additionally, extending electrification to isolated areas can be costly, and diesel trains may still be necessary even if sections of the network are electrified. However, these challenges are not insurmountable, and countries like India, China, and Switzerland have made significant progress in electrifying their rail networks.
Overall, the resistance to electrification by rail companies and the lack of regulatory support in some regions hinder the transition to more sustainable rail transport. It is crucial for companies and policymakers to prioritise environmental sustainability, address the challenges of electrification, and work towards reducing the carbon footprint of the rail industry.
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Braking trains cause particulate pollution
Trains are often considered a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation than flying. For example, climate campaigner Greta Thunberg has travelled to London and other European cities by train. However, there are concerns about the environmental impact of trains, particularly in the United States, where the freight rail system is causing climate change and environmental injustice.
One issue with trains is that they can cause particulate pollution, especially during braking. A study by the University of Toronto found that the braking of trains and the resulting wear of wheels and rails were the major causes of particulate pollution in Toronto's subway system. The researchers measured the chemical composition of particulate matter, which refers to fine particles of airborne solids or liquids smaller than 2.5 micrometres per cubic metre of air. They found that most of the particulate pollution came from the wheels and rails when the brakes were applied.
Greg Evans, a professor in the department of chemical engineering and applied chemistry, led the study. He suggested that while they can't replace the wheels and rails across the entire system, changing the way that drivers apply the brakes could reduce emissions. Smoothing out the braking process so that trains aren't decelerating as rapidly or as frequently could be an interim solution.
Toronto's subway system uses limited forced ventilation, which relies on trains to push the air like a piston as they move through the tunnels. This eventually pushes the contaminated air out into open areas. Improving ventilation is the second way to improve air quality on subway trains and platforms, after reducing emissions.
While electric trains are emission-free at the point of use, diesel trains contribute significantly to air pollution. In the UK, for example, about 20% of Europe's current rail traffic is hauled by diesel locomotives, and up to 70% of the trains passing through London Paddington Station are powered by diesel engines. Diesel trains at Paddington Station were found to emit pollutants far above European recommendations, with levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM2.5), and sulphur dioxide (SO2) higher than on a nearby busy road.
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Rail infrastructure impacts communities of colour the most
Rail infrastructure has historically impacted communities of colour the most. While rail networks can provide a multitude of benefits, including improved workforce mobility, enhanced quality of life, and increased economic growth, they have also been used to segregate people of colour and contribute to environmental injustice.
Public investment in transportation infrastructure often leads to the gentrification of nearby neighbourhoods, resulting in the displacement of low-income residents and communities of colour. This process, known as transit-induced gentrification (TIG), occurs when public transit services "upscale" the surrounding area, leading to increased property values and cost of living. As a result, existing residents, particularly those from low-income communities of colour, are forced to relocate as they can no longer afford to live in the area. This form of residential segregation reinforces socioeconomic inequalities and perpetuates a culture of White homogeneity.
Additionally, communities of colour have been underserved by public transportation systems, which are often underfunded, unreliable, or non-existent in these areas. This lack of transportation investment has had disastrous consequences, such as the impact on emergency evacuation responses during Hurricane Katrina in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, a predominantly Black community. Furthermore, studies have shown that low-income communities of colour disproportionately suffer from pollution, including that caused by freight trains, which are among the oldest and most polluting locomotives still in operation.
To address these issues, careful planning and community engagement are essential. Racial equity impact studies can play a crucial role in unearthing racial inequities and preventing harmful policies from being implemented. By prioritizing climate and environmental justice, policymakers can work towards redressing the harm caused by transportation policies and advancing racial equity. This includes updating federal locomotive pollution rules, investing in zero-emission locomotives, and reducing rail idling near homes and schools.
While rail infrastructure has the potential to provide numerous benefits, it is crucial to ensure that its development and operation are equitable and just for all communities, especially those of colour, who have historically borne the brunt of its negative impacts.
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Frequently asked questions
Trains do create pollution, but they are one of the cleanest forms of transportation. In the USA, trains account for 2% of transportation emissions, while air travel accounts for 2.8%.
On average, a nonstop flight from New York to San Francisco emits about 840 pounds of carbon dioxide per economy class passenger. That is equivalent to burning 420 pounds of coal. In comparison, a cross-country train journey emits somewhere from 950 to 1,133 pounds of carbon dioxide per passenger. However, this varies depending on the energy source of the train. Amtrak trains, for example, are far cleaner when running on electrified tracks, like in the Northeast Corridor from Washington to Boston. Outside of this region, Amtrak trains run on diesel, a highly polluting fuel.
In 2019, LNER retired its old fleet of diesel high-speed trains and replaced them with modern electric and bi-mode Azuma trains. This move reduced carbon-intensive diesel consumption by 30% compared to 2019. Similarly, California has passed rules to fund cleaner, zero-emission locomotives, cut down on rail idling, and drive the turnover of old locomotives.
Train pollution comes from the diesel or electricity that trains consume. Diesel releases the greatest amount of carbon. Additionally, research on the Toronto subway system has identified that the braking of trains and the resulting wear of wheels and rails are major causes of particulate pollution.
