Among the Youngest Locomotive Fleets in the Industry
KCSR's and KCSM's locomotive fleets are among the youngest in the industry.  From 2006 through 2008, the average locomotive fleet age was decreased from 17.2 to 10.9 years.  This was accomplished through a combination of locomotive purchases, leases and overhauls, resulting in more fuel efficient, reliable and environmentally-friendly fleets.

New and Overhauled, Environmentally-Friendly Locomotives
KCSR and KCSM have procured new EMD SD70ACe and GE ES44AC locomotives and environmentally-friendly Genset locomotives, and continue to overhaul the rest of the locomotive fleets.  The companies have repowered a group of older locomotives with highly efficient EMD 710ECO™ Tier 2 engines.  This solution provides a unique combination of emissions reduction, fuel efficiency, and locomotive reliability, improving railroad operations and addressing environmental concerns.  KCSR has also obtained EPA certifications for its heritage fleet of EMD locomotives, bringing them up to Tier 0 emissions levels.

Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that all locomotives utilize low sulfur diesel fuel (500 parts per million) by 2007 and begin using ultra low sulfur diesel fuel (15 parts per million) by 2010. Recognizing the importance of this requirement to the health of our environment, KCSR began fueling its locomotives with ultra low sulfur diesel fuel in 2007.

Train Handling
KCSR trains its locomotive engineers to handle trains in a manner that maximizes fuel efficiency. 

Infrastructure
KCSR and KCSM also utilize new technologies and engineering techniques, such as straightening track curves, lowering track grades and lubricating the rail with an environmentally acceptable non-petroleum friction modifier to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce wheel and rail wear.     

Fuel Efficiency and Conservation Committees
KCSR and KCSM each have cross-functional committees focused on fuel efficiency and conservation.  These committees set standards, publish guidelines, monitor locomotive fueling, fuel consumption, train handling, shutdown and isolation procedures, all of which attribute to a locomotive’s fuel efficiency.  These committees also evaluate new technologies that contribute to fuel efficiency and conservation, promote these efforts among employees and even offer incentives to employees who make a marked difference in the effort.