Amtrak’s new ALC-42 locomotives began service on 8 February 2022, pulling the famous Empire Builder west from Chicago to Seattle, Washington. They reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide by more than 89% and particulate matter by 95% while consuming less fuel than their 1990s and early 2000s predecessors and reaching a greater top speed of 125 mi/h.

“We take our commitment to sustainability seriously at Amtrak. We’re focused on being the solution to get people out of cars and planes and onto rail for greater emissions reductions,” said Amtrak Vice President and Chief Mechanical Officer George Hull in a brief ceremony at Chicago Union Station.

A team from Amtrak and Siemens Mobility developed the locomotive series for heavier and longer trains traveling thousands of miles in a single trip, spanning the United States from Seattle to Miami, Florida, and Los Angeles to Boston.

Hull indicated that Amtrak is working with Siemens to order more of the locomotives to meet its needs, particularly for long-distance trains.

Full Article: IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine, Volume 17, Number 2, June 2022

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