Train travel is about to get a lot cleaner.
The Grand Canyon Railway has been awarded a $3.4 million
grant to convert one of its classic diesel locomotives into a zero-emission,
battery-powered locomotive expected to be in service by 2027.
The exciting shift, funded 80 percent by the U.S. Department
of Transportation, is part of a nationwide push for greener
transportation and to enhance the scenic route from Williams, Arizona to
Grand Canyon’s South Rim. With fewer emissions, visitors can now look forward
to an even more sustainable journey through one of America’s most treasured
landscapes.
Jeff D'Arpa, Vice President and General Manager at Grand
Canyon Railway and Hotel said in a statement, “We are excited to embark on this
new project and appreciate the support and funding from the Federal Railroad
Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation. Champions of this project
include local community Mayors, County Supervisors, Greater Flagstaff Chamber
of Commerce and both Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema.”
He added, “This support allows us to pioneer sustainable,
regenerative battery-electric locomotion that will help preserve this landscape
and resources for future generations.”
The new locomotive will travel to the Grand Canyon on a
single battery charge. “The Grand Canyon Railway is a place where you can
experience both the amazing legacy of steam locomotion and soon, modern
innovations such as battery-electric propulsion. This project will
significantly reduce the already low environmental impact of visiting the Grand
Canyon via rail and will provide a quieter and cleaner guest experience. This
builds on our previous innovation of converting our historic steam locomotives
to run on waste vegetable oil,” said Kevin Crosby, Director of Sustainability
for Xanterra.
Eco-friendly upgrades include regenerative braking,
which captures energy during the train’s 64-mile journey across changing
elevations, recharging the battery about 30 percent each trip. The new
technology will also bring maintenance and fuel savings, keeping the experience
sustainable for generations. In addition, the reduced noise and diesel exhaust
will make for a more comfortable atmosphere for passengers.
“This project is a unique chance to bring modern efficiency
to a historic rail icon,” added Eric Hadder, Chief Mechanical Officer at Grand
Canyon Railway. “Our team in Williams is proud to lead the way in regenerative
electric technology. We are proud that the locomotive will be constructed by
the Railway’s own employees in our Williams Locomotive Shop.”
The project is part of the U.S. Department of
Transportation’s CRISI grant program, which supports environmentally
forward-thinking rail projects across the country. Grand Canyon Railway worked
with Innovative Rail Technologies to develop the grant request.
Ticket prices will not be affected, and operating costs will
be slightly reduced.
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