On the day it surpassed the 50 million rider mark, Tri-Rail announced plans to run most of its trains on a cleaner biodiesel.
Tri-Rail will start operating on a much more environmentally friendly blend of biodiesel, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority announced Wednesday.
The aim, Tri-Rail managers say, is to run eight of 10 Tri-Rail locomotives on a 99 percent blend of either palm or soy oil depending on the availability.
Thanks to South Florida`s comparatively temperate climate, Tri-Rail is one of the few commuter rail systems in the country that can operate on such a pure blend of biofuel.
The nation`s top transit regulator praised the authority for taking an important step toward energy independence at a news conference Wednesday morning in West Palm Beach.
``The Federal Transit Administration is committed to encouraging the use of alternative fuels in the nation`s rail and bus systems,`` said FTA Administrator James S. Simpson.
Biodiesel will be used in Tri-Rail`s eight conventional train sets. The two Diesel Multiple Units will continue to operate on standard diesel fuel, due to warranty restrictions.
The FTA paid for the locomotives and for research tests at the Southwest Research Center in San Antonio.
While the Tri-Rail locomotives use 7 percent more fuel when operating on biodiesel, the fuel costs approximately 30 cents per gallon less than diesel.
The net effect, Tri-Rail leaders say, is that they will pay about the same gross amount for fuel but will pollute less.
Biodiesel produces less carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions and there will be less likelihood of soil pollution in the event of a fuel spill.
Tri-Rail, which went into service on Jan. 8, 1989, also announced that it surpassed the 50 million rider mark on Wednesday morning.
``This truly is a landmark day,`` said Broward County Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion Jr., chair of the regional authority`s governing board. ``The fact that a system was built to operate temporarily -- for only five years, yet has become a permanent transportation solution for the people of South Florida, underscores the need for securing public transportation in the region.
Tri-Rail has launched it's latest campaign: The Green Way To GO! which encourages South Floridians to utilize public transportation and save the environment! Visit www.tri-rail.com and register to win a getaway to Yosemite!
Tri-Rail
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