Amtrak’s picturesque Surfliner route already uses Siemens’ Charger electric-diesel locomotives. Credit: Amtrak

The Pacific Surfliner, an Amtrak route along the sun-drenched California coastline now runs on biodiesel (known as renewable diesel by the rail operator) for the entirety of its 351-mile (564km) track. 

The line runs from San Luis Obispo through Los Angeles (and the Southern California conurbation) all the way to San Diego. It stops off at several popular surfing destinations such as Santa Barbara and Lompoc Surf – a station quite literally a stone’s throw from the beach and the waves. 

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Amtrak, the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority, and San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority were all involved in the decision and actioning of the biodiesel plan. 

But the executive decision to make the change in 2023 was the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency. 

The Surfliner already runs diesel-electric Charger locomotives, effectively making them hybrids.

The Siemens’ Charger locomotives have received the US Environmental Protection Agency Tier IV emissions certification, which indicates it is one of the most climate-friendly diesel locomotives currently in operation in the US. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“The adoption of renewable diesel for our Pacific Surfliner service is an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to environmental preservation and the fight against climate change,” said Jewel Edson, Chair of the LOSSAN Agency board.

LOSSAN Agency did not reveal where it would source the biodiesel but said it would be refined from used cooking oil and other renewable sources.