Transit Briefs: Amtrak, MARTA, MBTA
Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Amtrak has released its 10th Sustainability Report, disclosing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities during FY 2023, from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023 (Photograph by Mike Armstrong for Amtrak)
Amtrak issues a Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Sustainability Report, detailing its progress to Net-Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045. Also, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) adopts FY 2025 operating and capital budgets; and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) delays the launch of South Coast Rail.
Amtrak
Amtrak on June 13 released its 10th Sustainability Report, disclosing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) activities during FY 2023, from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023 (see above).
“Passenger rail is widely recognized as one of the most sustainable modes of transportation, and we are taking steps to make rail even more attractive,” Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said. “The emissions reductions already met, and climate goals set forth in the annual report underline our commitment to providing customers safe and reliable travel while further reducing our already-low carbon footprint.”
Highlights from the report include:
- Replacing more than 1.2 million gallons of fossil fuel with renewable diesel on California’s state-supported Capitol Corridor, Pacific Surfliner and Amtrak San Joaquins passenger trains, reducing GHG emissions by roughly 63%.
- Eliminating disposable tableware at the Metropolitan Lounge inside New York City’s Moynihan Train Hall; the transition from individually prepackaged products to in-house food preparation and plating reduced the Lounge’s plastic packaging by 75%.
- Adding the first electric bus to Amtrak’s National Network of Thruway service on the Pacific Northwest’s Cascades route, reducing annual GHG emissions by 109 metric tons.
- Developing resilient design guidelines for capital and maintenance projects, making Amtrak “climate-ready” for changing conditions.
Amtrak also covered equipment, stations and electricity usage in the report.
“Compared to the legacy fleet of Wabtec (formerly GE) P-40s and P-42s, the new locomotives … are the highest EPA standard,” Amtrak pointed out in its FY 2023 Sustainability Report. “One of the most energy efficient in the industry, our new … ALC-42 locomotives are projected to reduce emissions and consume less fuel while reaching a top speed of 125 mph. ALC-42 reduce nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions by 89% and reduce fuel use by 10%, resulting in 10% fewer GHG emissions. Our ALC-42s fleet is approved to use renewable diesel which reduce emissions by approximately 60% in life cycle GHGs.”
Amtrak reported dedicating more than $114 million to its ADA Station Program in 2023, including achieving substantial completion at 16 more stations. The Program, it said, has brought 119 stations to full compliance and another 65 to compliance excluding platforms, which require additional work. Amtrak also deployed 56 accessible ramps on Superliner I cars and developed plans for a newly designed accessible bathroom to be added to 23 Superliner I Coach Cars; these new rooms accommodate larger wheelchairs and include a changing room. Additionally, Amtrak awarded the first of three major construction contracts to deliver a new ADA-accessible West Baltimore MARC Station, new tracks and rail systems from the MARC station to the new Frederick Douglass Tunnel now under construction, and the replacement of several bridges.
According to the Amtrak report, electricity use constitutes roughly 18% of its GHG footprint, powering its stations, rail yards, facilities, offices and electrified Northeast Corridor service. As part of the railroad’s Net-Zero goal, it said it is “prioritizing a faster shift toward clean and renewable sources in the near term, with a long-term vision of electrification across our buildings, equipment and mechanical systems.” Amtrak reported that it currently purchases energy attribute certificates, such as Renewable Energy Certificates, to cover roughly 61% of its total electricity demand. “To drive down energy demand at our Top 40 sites, which constitute 84% of our electricity use for stationary assets, Amtrak develops annual energy plans detailing usage and reduction efforts,” it reported. “In addition to pursuing low- or no-emissions energy sources like carbon-free electricity, we continually seek ways to streamline our existing operations to find efficiencies, including regularly undertaking energy saving retrofits at our stations and facilities, such as replacing inefficient lighting with LED and controls.”
Amtrak outlined three goals that will keep it “on track” to reduce fossil-fuel use:
- “Source 100% carbon-free electricity to power our traction and non-traction infrastructure by 2030.”
- “Source 100% renewable electricity to power our traction and non-traction infrastructure by 2035.”
- “Reduce electricity usage by 1% annually.”
For projects completed in FY 2023 to reduce electricity use 1% annually, Amtrak reported that it will save $331,156 and 2,270,435 kWh per year and avoid 1,586 MT of GHG emissions per year.
MARTA
The MARTA Board of Directors on June 13 adopted a $1.6 billion budget for FY 2025, which includes $654.5 million in net operating funds and $909.2 million for capital programing. The Authority reported that it “continues to show fiscal responsibility,” balancing the budget for the 13th consecutive year without a fare increase and reconfirming two AAA bond ratings.
MARTA derives a significant part of its operating budget from sales tax revenue, which “remains robust,” it said, and ridership, “while still below pre-COVID levels, continues to increase and has returned for large events.” The operating budget, it noted, assumes a 4% salary increase for non-represented employees, and fully funds the collective bargaining agreement obligations, as well as accounts for inflation and ongoing supply chain issues.
MARTA reported that its Capital Improvement Program continues to advance, with several projects either under construction—such as MARTA Rapid Summerhill, the region’s first bus rapid transit line that opens for service next year—or entering the construction phase—such as the Five Points Transformation that is set to get under way in July. The budget includes $76 million for the multi-year Station Rehabilitation Program and $92 million for the procurement of new Stadler-built railcars, the first of which arrives in Atlanta later this year for testing. Additionally, the budget allocates $32 million for the procurement of new buses, $25 million to advance the Clayton County Operations and Maintenance Facility project, and $20 million to continue the development and implementation of a new fare collection system.
“The budget underscores our priorities of keeping the current system in a state of good repair, building the MARTA of the future, and growing ridership,” MARTA General Manager and CEO Collie Greenwood said. “After much engineering, planning, and design work, we are putting shovels in the ground so to speak. Customers will see multiple improvement and expansion projects systemwide over the next year. MARTA is 45 years old. It’s time to invest in the next 45 and beyond.”
“The MARTA Board of Directors is mindful of the challenges facing the transit industry from procurement to ridership,” MARTA Board Chair Katie Powers said. “We also recognize that MARTA is faring better than other agencies in many regards due to sound financial decisions. My fellow board members and I remain committed to ensuring MARTA is a good steward of public money.”
MBTA
MBTA reported June 13 that its South Coast Rail service will launch in spring 2025. The initial start date for the $1 billion project, which will restore rail service between Boston and the South Coast for the first time in more than 70 years (see map, below), was late 2023.
“After a review of the project, General Manager [and CEO Phillip] Eng determined that new project leadership was needed to ensure the success and safety of the project,” according to MBTA. “The timeline adjustment to spring 2025 for passengers allows for more resources and attention to make South Coast Rail reliable on the first day of service and beyond. Nationally, these projects are highly specialized and complex, requiring specific expertise, with the system testing phase being one of the most challenging aspects to ensure seamless integration of all components.”
MBTA’s Karen Antion is the new project manager.
Following is a project progress report released by MBTA on June 14.
Construction and Equipment
Four locomotives have undergone a comprehensive overhaul and are now ready for service, according to MBTA. Additionally, 16 bi-level coaches have been acquired for service.
Four stations are now complete: Fall River, Freetown, Middleborough, and Church Street.
Two stations are nearing completion:
- New Bedford is 97% finished and expected to be fully complete by July 2024. The contractor is currently finalizing minor details (punch list work), according to MBTA.
- East Taunton is 75% complete and anticipated to be finished in August 2024. Construction crews are focusing on completing the elevator installation and paving work, MBTA said.
Multi-Phased Testing
With construction almost complete, test trains will begin running June 17, 2024, at speeds of up to 79 mph, according to MBTA. Following the successful completion of Automatic Train Control (ATC) testing and the transfer of dispatch to MBTA Commuter Rail operator Keolis, the South Coast Rail project will progress to Positive Train Control (PTC) system testing, according to MBTA. Testing is slated to continue through January.
In addition to testing, MBTA said it will focus on qualifying train operators, maintenance personnel, and other staff on the new rail line’s specific characteristics and safety protocols.
FRA’s ‘New Starts’ Process
Once all components—stations, layover facilities, tracks, ATC, and the PTC system—are built, tested, and approved, MBTA said the project will move to the final phase of “New Starts” implementation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). This phase involves certifying train operators, final inspections, and running demonstration services without riders. The timeline for this final stage depends on the FRA’s review and requirements, according to MBTA.
“The MBTA is deeply committed to delivering the South Coast Rail project while upholding the highest standards of quality and safety before launching passenger service,” Phillip Eng said during public meetings held June 13. “We recognize this project is especially important for the Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton communities, and the surrounding region. Through testing and quality control measures, we are dedicated to providing the public with a reliable and dependable railroad system they can count on.” Eng also extended his “sincere appreciation to the public for their patience and understanding throughout this process.”
MBTA reported the fare structure for all South Coast Rail stations. Riders will pay a full fare of $12.25 and a reduced fare of $6. “The decision to place these stations in Zone 8 aligns with the existing fare structure of the Commuter Rail, which is organized into zones ranging from 1A (the core metro area) to 10 as well as Interzone fares for trips that do not enter Zone 1A,” the Authority said.
