BNSF and Wabtec Commence Battery-Electric Locomotive Pilot Test

BNSF Railway and Wabtec’s exploration of the future potential of battery-electric locomotives crosses another significant milestone as testing of the technology began in revenue service between Barstow and Stockton, California.

“We've got everything in place and we're ready to see how this next-generation locomotive performs in revenue service," said John Lovenburg, BNSF Vice President, Environmental. “BNSF is focused on continuing to reduce our environmental impact, and we’re committed to doing our part to test and assess the commercial viability of emerging technologies that reduce emissions.”

How BNSF is Cutting Our Customers' Carbon Footprint

It’s a fact: No other form of land-freight transportation is more fuel- and resource-efficient than rail. When BNSF customers convert shipments from trucks to trains, they significantly decrease their carbon emissions.

A single double-stack intermodal train can effectively remove several hundred long-haul freight trucks from the highway.

Shipping with BNSF enabled our customers to reduce their total carbon emissions by 32.8 million metric tons. Read more here!

Get Out and Enjoy Winter, but Stay Safe When You Hit the Trails

It’s looking like it could be a very long winter. With travel restrictions, lockdowns, and curfews in place in many parts of the country, Canadians are searching for ways to keep active—and sane. Many people are turning to winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Please, if you’re hitting the trails, stay clear of train tracks.

Remember, train tracks are private property. It’s illegal to walk on the tracks unless you’re crossing at a designated railway crossing. And even if tracks look abandoned, that doesn’t mean they aren’t in use. No tracks can ever be assumed to be abandoned. Tracks that have been deactivated can also be reactivated at any time.

Trains can also travel in both directions and at all times of the day and night. You never know when a train might be coming along the tracks. So, before you head off on your next outdoor adventure, follow these simple rules to stay safe:

• Respect the rules. Stay on marked trails and off private property, including railway tracks. Only cross tracks at designated crossings and obey all railway warning signs and signals.

• Never ski, walk, or ride on or next to train tracks. Trains are wider than the tracks, and it may be hard to hear when a train is approaching.

• Plan your trip. Plan the route you’ll take and avoid ones that take you near or across railway tracks.

• Tell someone your plans. Make sure someone knows your route and leave a time/date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned.

• Be aware of the weather. Canada’s weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the forecast and expect weather changes.

• Take sufficient supplies. Make sure you have enough food, clothing, equipment and emergency rations for the worst-case scenario. Take an appropriate means of communication along with you.

If you're hitting the trails this winter, stay safe and stay clear of tracks!

Emergencies – Call 800-832-5452

To report a vehicle stalled on a crossing, suspicious circumstances, malfunctioning crossing gates and lights, or any other emergency, call 800-832-5452 immediately.

Have a Question for Us?

Do you have a question about BNSF or rail in British Columbia that you would like addressed in future issues of Inside Track? Send them to [email protected].

We welcome your feedback and ideas!

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