Keolis and the MBTA have launched a renewable diesel pilot in Boston to lower emissions and advance sustainability goals across the city’s commuter rail system. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Keolis and the MBTA have launched a renewable diesel pilot in Boston to lower emissions and advance sustainability goals across the city’s commuter rail system
Photo: Keolis

This six-month trial began in April and supports a larger regional effort to deploy battery-electric trains by 2028. However, renewable diesel offers a faster way to reduce emissions right now.

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Keolis currently consumes up to 3,000 gallons of renewable diesel each day, which accounts for 10% of the total daily fuel usage across its network. This clean-burning fuel is derived from Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).

The same fuel already powers trains in Southern California and some U.S. freight railroads. It delivers more than a 70% cut in emissions and works in existing diesel engines without modification.

Boston Transit Advances with Renewable Diesel Strategy

Abdellah Chajai, CEO of Keolis Commuter Services, noted that growing ridership helps reduce car usage across Boston. But cutting rail emissions further requires low-carbon fuel solutions like renewable diesel.

He emphasized that this fuel allows fast, affordable emission reductions while the city continues investing in long-term electrification projects.

During the six-month pilot, engineers and analysts will monitor performance and environmental outcomes across Boston’s rail operations under real-world conditions.

Boston Commits to Cleaner Rail Future Through Innovation

After the pilot concludes, the MBTA and Keolis will assess the results to decide whether to expand renewable diesel use across the system. If successful, the program could help other cities adopt similar strategies.

Boston’s dual approach—introducing renewable diesel now and preparing for electric trains later—demonstrates a strong commitment to both short- and long-term climate solutions.

This program strengthens Boston’s leadership in sustainable transit and shows how immediate action can support future infrastructure goals.

Photo: railway-news.com

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