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.
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Sep 29, 2026This Hotel Brand Brings Gaming, eSports Right to Your Room
This year, after a successful pilot of gaming rooms and a gaming studio at nhow Berlin, nhow Hotels & Resorts takes gaming to the next level with the launch of GAME:NXT by nhow, a new gaming and esports ecosystem bringing interactive digital experiences to hotel stays. Family travelers can now enjoy hospitality blended with gaming and digital culture.
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.
Travel Tips
Sep 23, 2026Move to the Music and Rhythm of Destinations Around the World
The true rhythm of a country is felt away from the main tourist traps. Galleries, museums and historic sites provide an overview, but you need to go elsewhere to experience the living, beating heart of a place. For instance, immerse yourself in the humid turmoil of a Durban underground club, or get to grips with the formal group dances of the Scottish Highlands, or become part of the foot-stomping camaraderie of a Galway pub, or ride the waves of neon-lit energy in a Seoul basement nightclub.
Caribbean
Sep 21, 2026Sonesta Sint Maarten’s Newest Deal is Perfect Excuse for Fall Getaway
Autumn at home might be filled with changing leaves and pumpkin spice, but, in the Caribbean, it means sunshine and sandy beaches. In other words, it’s a great place to sneak off for a fall getaway to recharge and refresh before the holidays are upon us, and the current deal offered at Sonesta Sint Maarten resorts make it an affordable option for families and couples.
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 18, 2026“MasterChef” Experience Coming to Dreams Resorts & Spas in Mexico, Caribbean
Beyond resort pools and beaches, family travelers (especially little ones) crave immersive and learning experiences. One brand, Hyatt’s Dreams Resorts & Spas, leans into this shift with an expanded collaboration with MasterChef Junior.
ShareThis