Metrolink marked Earth Day by unveiling its newest locomotive, the cleanest diesel-electric option available, and stressing that riding Metrolink even one day a week makes a difference to the environment.

Switching to public transit can slim down a commuter's daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds. Commuters who take transit instead of driving alone also reduce oil consumption and congestion.

Metrolink passengers save 22 million gallons of oil per year, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 178 metric tons per year and remove about 25,000 cars per day from Southern California highways and freeways.

At a recent news conference, Metrolink also debuted its new paperless press kit, a 2-gigabyte USB drive that is small, reusable, earth-friendly and easily updated at the Metrolink website.

Metrolink locomotives already are the cleanest in the industry, powered by ultralowsulfur diesel fuel, the cleanest and most efficient fuel available today for liquid-fueled locomotives.

On Earth Day Metrolink introduced the first of 15 newgeneration locomotives, the MotivePower MPXpress commuter locomotive. The locomotive is 10 feet longer than current Metrolink locomotives and can haul 10 passenger cars instead of six.

The MotivePower locomotive emits approximately 42 percent fewer nitrogen oxides, 70 percent less carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, and 60 percent less particulate matter than a typical Southern California locomotive.

It is equipped with automatic engine stop-start technology that reduces idle emissions by at least half.

Metrolink has purchased 15 MotivePower locomotives for $1.9 million each. As each new locomotive arrives over the next 15 months, an older Metrolink locomotive will be pulled from service and refurbished to make it cleaner and more energy efficient.

For train schedules and directions to the nearest station, call (800) 371-LINK (5465) or visit www.metrolinktrains.com.