Air Quality

Improving air quality is a significant challenge in several regions of the U.S. as cities work to meet Clean Air Act requirements and improve quality of life for their citizens. Rail freight transportation reduces the country’s overall transportation emissions and carbon footprint.

Rail continues to outperform trucks in producing lower carbon and particulate matter emissions per ton mile of freight. As we take freight off the highway, we also significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve the health of the planet. Trains move the same amount of freight more than three times as far as trucks per gallon of fuel. Moving freight by rail instead of truck lowers greenhouse gas emissions up to 75 percent.

Improved fuel efficiency immediately reduces emissions. We’re also developing innovative technology, monitoring our performance and reviewing the overall efficiency of our operations to find ways to reduce emissions.