QUEENSLAND RAIL CUTS GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Queensland Rail (QR), Australia's largest rail network with nearly 9500 km of predominantly 1067 mm-gauge track, is the only state owned railway in Australia to remain vertically integrated and operating both urban and long distance passenger as well as freight services. The freight services include the heavy haulage of export coal, minerals, containers, industrial products, and general freight. This article describes the five-year mission QR launched in 1999 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit throughput. A substantial reduction in the rate has been achieved through some of the following actions: the introduction of new and more fuel efficient locomotives along with more efficient wagons for coal and general freight traffic; increased freight containerization; new and more fuel efficient rolling stock; upgraded track permitting both more fuel efficient rolling stock and operations; optimized scheduling and electronic control systems to reduce transit times and delays; and continued driver training in the dynamics and smooth running of trains to maximize fuel efficiencies and minimize maintenance costs. The Institution of Engineers Australia and the Australian Greenhouse Office, in recognition of QR's outstanding performance, presented the company with the 2002 Australian Greenhouse Challenge Gold award.