Amtrak has begun a pilot program to operate a train line on biodiesel fuel. The biodiesel is being manufactured from beef byproducts out of Texas. The Amtrak Heartland Flyer train that runs on this fuel is operating daily runs from Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, TX. The fuel, which mixes 80 per cent diesel with 20 per cent biofuel, cuts both hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions by 10 per cent, according to Amtrak, which said that the fuel also reduces particulates by 15 per cent and sulphates by 20 per cent, compared to standard diesel fuels. Amtrak will run the train service as a 12 month experiment, during which time Amtrak will collect data on emissions, and the impact of the fuel on mechanical parts. Although technically the fuel mix can run in unmodified trains, the locomotive was fitted with new engine assemblies so that detailed measurements could be taken to establish the effect of the fuel on the engine. 
The impact of biofuel blends on engines can vary dramatically, with some biofuels leading to increased wear and tear, while others tend to burn cleaner and lead to improved engine performance and durability. The biodiesel trial is the latest in a series of environmental initiatives from Amtrak designed to highlight the operator’s position as a green alternative to domestic US flights. The company has switched from low-sulphur fuel to ultra-low sulphur fuel across the railroad to tackle air pollution, and has installed recycling receptacles in its trains and stations. It has also stepped up efforts to reduce idling times for its diesel trains, and has introduced regenerative braking systems similar to those in hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius for its electric trains.
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