Press Release: 5/16/2025

MBTA and Keolis Pilot Renewable Diesel Fuel for Commuter Rail

 

Posted on May 14, 2025

Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis), the MBTA’s operations and maintenance partner for the Commuter Rail, has launched an alternative fuel pilot utilizing renewable diesel for some locomotives. Usage of renewable diesel will cut emissions and reduce the system’s carbon footprint, helping the Commonwealth reach emissions reduction goals.

Developed in partnership with the MBTA, the pilot includes all locomotives that lay over at the Newburyport Commuter Rail facility, which are now being fueled with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). HVO is a much more sustainable alternative as it’s made from vegetable oil and animal fats and emits less carbon than fossil diesel.

“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.”

“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 succe