Amtrak, the largest rail operator in the United States, has asked companies in zero-emission technologies to submit their options for Amtrak’s bid to move to NetZero.

As part of its drive to reduce carbon emissions in rail transport, state-owned railway company of the United States, Amtrak has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to seek options to help transform the company’s rail fleet with zero-emissions technology. 

In a press statement, Amtrak says that this important step marks progress towards the company’s long-range goal of eliminating emissions used to power Amtrak’s trains, which already provide one of the most sustainable modes of travel for many trips.

“Finding the cleanest technologies to carry customers across our vast network will be transformative as we deliver a new era of rail. We are excited to take this important step toward providing safe and reliable service with a smaller impact on the environment,” says Roger Harris, President, Amtrak.

The statement adds that all qualified parties are encouraged to respond to the RFI, which supports the United States National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonisation by 2050. Aiming to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2045 sits at the heart of Amtrak’s climate commitment, it adds. 

The rail operator says that to reach its ambitious goal, it has taken several measures, including committing to doubling ridership from 2019 levels to 66 million riders per year by 2040, displacing more energy-intensive cars and plane trips and procuring over half of the company’s electricity from carbon-free sources with the goal of achieving 100 pc by 2030.

Amtrak says it has also supported partners in California in a May 2023 switch to renewable diesel (RD) on Amtrak Capitol Corridor, Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquins trains.

In addition, it has rrdered 83 new Amtrak Airo trains that will operate on the fully-electrified Northeast Corridor and on routes throughout the country producing 90 pc less particulate emissions in diesel operations, 28 new all-electric, high-speed Acela trains that are designed to use 40 pc less energy per passenger than the existing Acela fleet and also EPA Tier 4 compliant Siemens Charger locomotives which significantly reduce criteria air pollutants (CAP) compared to existing equipment.

Amtrak says that much of its passenger fleet is powered by zero-emission equipment, including 108 electric Northeast Regional and Acela locomotives. Electric-powered locomotives produce no emissions when powered by carbon-free electricity. It says that the results of the RFI will inform Amtrak’s future decisions to procure the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly fleet for deployment across Amtrak’s network.