Northern trial shows how train driving style can cut fuel use

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A new study from Northern has shown how tweaks to the way trains are driven can reduce fuel consumption significantly while keeping trains running on time.

Northern
Northern - Northern Train At Hull Station

With only a quarter of the UK’s rail network electrified, diesel trains remain a vital transport link for virtually all corners of the country. According to Northern, its annual fuel bill is around £50m, with corresponding CO2, NOx and particulate matter emissions. Reducing that bill would therefore be both a financial and environmental boon for the operator. 

 

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Northern, examining the routes on which its 2,500 daily services run, developed a model that determines the optimal train speed and braking patterns for routes across its network. In an early test between Middlesbrough and Whitby, the model identified a potential seven per cent saving in fuel consumption. It’s planned that the data will be used to coach train drivers to use less fuel whilst keeping trains on time.

“Along with the rest of the UK rail industry, Northern is working towards phasing out diesel-only trains by 2040,” said Rob Warnes, strategic development director at Northern.

“However, with only 25 per cent of our network electrified, diesel trains remain integral to our operation and, as such, we want to make sure we operate them in the most fuel-efficient way. This has been a fascinating, year-long project and it’s great to see the proof on concept realised so that we can now expand trials and build the case for implementation.”

Northern is now planning to conduct practical tests on six routes in the North East to see what fuel and emissions savings are recorded.

Routes featured are:

  • Bishop Auckland (County Durham) to Darlington (County Durham)
  • Darlington (County Durham) to Saltburn (North Yorkshire)
  • Newcastle (Tyne & Wear) to Hexham (Northumberland)
  • Newcastle (Tyne & Wear) to Whitby (North Yorkshire)
  • Nunthorpe (North Yorkshire) to Kildale (North Yorkshire)
  • Seaham (County Durham) to Middlesbrough (North Yorkshire)

The project was developed in partnership with Chrome Angel Solutions, Angel Trains, Smart Rail Services and auticon, an organisation that provides career opportunities for the autistic community. 

Northern
Diesel
Fuel efficiency