Family travelers can now enjoy an even cleaner train ride than ever before as Grand Canyon Railway was recently awarded a $3.4 million grant to convert one of its classic diesel locomotives into a zero-emission, battery-powered locomotive. Funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, this is all part of a nationwide push for greener transportation. Travelers will enjoy a sustainable journey from Williams, Arizona, to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.
“This project is a unique chance to bring modern efficiency to a historic rail icon,” said Eric Hadder, chief mechanical officer, Grand Canyon Railway. “Our team in Williams is proud to lead the way in regenerative electric technology. We are proud that the locomotive will be constructed by the Railway’s own employees in our Williams Locomotive Shop.”
The new locomotive will travel to the canyon on a single battery charge. The eco-friendly upgrade includes regenerative braking, capturing energy during the 64-mile journey and recharging the battery by about 30 percent trip.
© Xanterra Travel Collection
“We are excited to embark on this new project and appreciate the support and funding from the Federal Railroad Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation. Champions of this project include local community Mayors, County Supervisors, Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and both Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema. This support allows us to pioneer sustainable, regenerative battery-electric locomotion that will help preserve this landscape and resources for future generations,” said Jeff D’Arpa, vice president and general manager, Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel.
The new technology also allows for maintenance and fuel savings. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s CRISI grant program supports environmentally forward-thinking rail projects across the country. This grant request was developed by Grand Canyon Railway and Innovative Rail Technologies.
“The Grand Canyon Railway is a place where you can experience both the amazing legacy of steam locomotion and soon, modern innovations such as battery-electric propulsion. This project will significantly reduce the already low environmental impact of visiting the Grand Canyon via rail and will provide a quieter and cleaner guest experience. This builds on our previous innovation of converting our historic steam locomotives to run on waste vegetable oil,” said Kevin Crosby, director of sustainability, Xanterra.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Sep 1, 2026Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa to Welcome Return of Elf on the Shelf This Holiday Season
The magic of Christmas quickly approaches as summer comes to a close, and families can experience the holiday season in a unique way this year.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Hotels
Sep 1, 2026This London Hotel Launches Little Londoners Family Package
Balance a city break in London with kid-friendly experiences at Sea Containers London, an upscale, riverside hotel. The property recently debuted the Little Londoners package, a thoughtfully designed offering that makes exploring London easier (and more fun) for both kids and parents.
Europe
Aug 27, 20266 Geneva, Switzerland, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Geneva, Switzerland, with us.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
Aug 26, 2026Make One Final Summer Splash at These 3 Unreal Hotel Pools
Summer may be coming to a close sooner rather than later; however, the warm air tends to linger into September, allowing for more fun in the sun.
ShareThis