Amtrak retrofitted its 14 maintenance trucks with Diesel Oxidation Catalysts. New start/stop systems are also being installed on locomotives to reduce fuel consumption.

Amtrak in Philadelphia has taken the initiative to reduce fuel consumption and pollution from both on-road vehicles and locomotives at their 30th Street station facility. Kirt Flowers, Fleet maintenance technician in the Philadelphia office, says, "We are a customer service industry and we have to let our customers know that we are environmentally committed to their community." On making the switch to cleaner energy alternatives, he says, "Somebody has to take the initiative. Amtrak is a huge company. If we make the change here in Philadelphia with a few projects, maybe other companies will follow our lead."

Amtrak is considering some feasibility studies to explore new alternative fuel ideas. Kirt Flowers indicated Amtrak would most likely be applying for a grant from PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to use biodiesel.

Kirt Flowers, Fleet Maintenance Technician