Latest news with #AbdellahChajai
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Your MBTA Commuter Rail train may now run on vegetable oil
Some MBTA Commuter Rail trains will run on a form of vegetable oil fuel through a new pilot program testing alternative power sources that could reduce the transit system's environmental impact. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, or HVO, emits less carbon than the typical diesel fuel that powers commuter rail trains, making it a more sustainable and earth-friendly alternative, Keolis, the company that operates the commuter rail for the MBTA, said in a statement announcing the pilot. The program could push the state closer to meeting its goal of having net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Carbon emissions for trains using vegetable oil-based fuel are 70% lower than trains running on traditional fossil fuels, according to Abdellah Chajai, the CEO and General Manager of Keolis. 'Getting people out of their cars and onto the train is a great first step, and we need to do more if we are going to reach the commonwealth's emissions goals,' Chajai said. The pilot program, developed in partnership between Keolis and MBTA, uses the new alternative fuel for all trains that lay over at the Newburyport Commuter Rail facility, Keolis said. The company has so far measured 'steady' performance from trains using the renewable fuel source. When the pilot program concludes, the T and Keolis will determine if the vegetable oil-based fuel can be expanded to other parts of the commuter rail system. Ethics Commission accuses retired MBTA manager of violating conflict of interest law 'Mission for Mass.': Ex-MBTA boss Brian Shortsleeve launches GOP guv bid 6 MBTA Commuter Rail vs. motor vehicle crashes this year: What's to blame? 'Intense congestion' expected on the Mass. Pike for 2 upcoming weekends Funding for the T could derail Mass. budget debate. Here's how | Bay State Briefing Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MBTA, Keolis pilot new renewable diesel fuel for commuter rails
Keolis Commuter Services, partner of the MBTA Commuter Rail, has launched an alternative fuel pilot that utilizes renewable diesel for some of its locomotives. Renewable diesel aims to cut emissions and to lower the carbon footprint of the MBTA, which will help the Commonwealth reach its emission reduction goals. 'We're pleased to partner with Keolis on this renewable diesel pilot as we continuously seek ways to reduce our carbon footprint,' said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. 'Testing alternative fuel sources for our Commuter Rail fleet joins other efforts at the T to lower our carbon emissions, and we look forward to evaluating the results of the pilot as we continue to increase resiliency across the system.' The fuel pilot consists of all locomotives that lay over at the Newburyport Commuter Rail facility, which Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) are now fueling. HVO is made from a mixture of vegetable oil and animal fats, which produce fewer carbon emissions than fossil fuels. As of now, Keolis has already seen steady locomotive performance while using HVO. 'Getting people out of their cars and onto the train is a great first step, and we need to do more if we are going to reach the Commonwealth's emissions goals,' said Abdellah Chajai, CEO and General Manager of Keolis. 'This pilot program is a great opportunity to utilize an innovative new approach and can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 70% for these locomotives compared to fossil diesel. We're pleased to partner with the MBTA to make this pilot project a success.' By the end of the program, MBTA and Keolis will reevaluate the performance of the renewable fuel and see if it is fit to be expanded to other locations across the MBTA. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
