Advancing MTRWestern’s Environmental Initiatives – A Year in Review
As we draw near to the end of another transformative year at MTRWestern, I’m proud to reflect on the strides we’ve taken in our commitment to sustainability. 2023 has been a year marked by innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven action as we’ve pushed the boundaries of environmental stewardship within the motorcoach industry.
FIRST ELECTRIC BUS LAUNCH WITH AMTRAK
One of the highlights of this year has been our landmark partnership with Amtrak, where we proudly launched their first intercity electric bus route operating daily service between Seattle, WA and Bellingham, WA. This great achievement not only signifies a monumental step forward in our efforts to reduce carbon emissions but also underscores our dedication to pioneering sustainable transportation solutions. The collaborative effort between MTRWestern and Amtrak embodies our shared vision of a cleaner, greener future for public transit.
CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE FUELING THE FUTURE OF OUR ELECTRIC FLEET
The transition to an electric bus fleet signifies more than just a change in vehicles; it’s a paradigm shift towards a greener, more sustainable future. However, embracing electric buses requires a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul, primarily focusing on charging systems that are both efficient and scalable.
This year, we installed 3 DC Fast Charging Stations (DCFC) at our MTRWestern Seattle facility. The 150kW fast chargers enable us to charge an electric bus from 10% to 80% charge in just 3.5 hours and at full charge, provides 250 miles of range with our Van Hool CX45E electric bus.
Our advancement of scaling our electric bus fleet will ride on the backs of continued partnerships and collaboration. In 2023, we were awarded a grant from the State of Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality supporting the establishment of additional charging infrastructure at our Portland facility. This infrastructure serves as another key step forward towards our goal of making 15% of our fleet composed of electric buses by 2025.
R99 RENEWABLE DIESEL FUEL AS A BRIDGE TO AN ELECTRIC BUS FLEET
As we continue down our path to zero emissions, renewable diesel (R99) has proven to be an important transition for us to lower carbon emissions and reduce maintenance costs. This innovative biofuel, derived from renewable resources, has played a pivotal role in minimizing our carbon footprint while maintaining the efficiency and reliability of our operations.
Produced from feedstocks such as animal fats and vegetable oils, R99 is produced similarly to conventional diesel but simply burns cleaner. Transitioning to R99 also requires no vehicle transformation. While California and Oregon have benefitted from R99 supply, we look forward to Washington State increasing availability of R99 as well with clean fuel programs to help make R99 fuel costs competitive. In 2023, 56% of MTRWestern’s monthly miles driven were operated with R99 a fuel source with plans for increased operations utilizing R99 in 2024.
DRIVING TOWARDS A GREENER FUTURE
Our journey towards sustainability and carbon free emissions wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible team, whose unwavering commitment to our values has propelled us toward these groundbreaking accomplishments.
Looking ahead to the future, we are steadfast in our resolve to continue setting new benchmarks in sustainability, exploring cutting-edge technologies, and forging impactful partnerships that will further MTRWestern’s vision to continue leading towards environmentally conscious transportation for bus operators.
As we close out this remarkable year, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our partners, customers, and stakeholders for their unwavering support. Together, we are driving meaningful change and making a tangible difference in preserving our planet for generations to come.
Thank you for joining us on this transformative journey towards a more sustainable future.
~ Jeremy Butzlaff
MTRWestern, President
