Changing the way trains are driven can save thousands of litres of diesel

Gill Laidler -

Data scientists working with Northern have proven that small tweaks to the way its trains are driven can save thousands of litres of diesel a year.

Working in partnership with Chrome Angel Solutions and auticon, they have developed a model that calculates the optimal train speed and braking patterns for routes on its network across the North of England.

The output of the model is then used to coach train drivers on their driving styles to use less fuel whilst keeping the trains on time.

In an early test between Middlesbrough and Whitby in North Yorkshire, the model identified a potential 7% saving in fuel consumption, with the added benefit of an equal reduction in CO2 emissions.

Whilst fuel savings will vary on each and every part of the network, the implications for Northern, whose annual fuel bill is in the region of £50m, are potentially huge.

Now, Northern is now planning to conduct practical tests on six routes in the North East to see what fuel and CO2 emission savings are recorded.

Routes that will form part of the trials include:

  • 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 and Kildale (North Yorkshire)
  • Seaham (County Durham) to Middlesbrough (North Yorkshire)

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

“However, with only 25% 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 first announced plans to investigate the most fuel-efficient way to drive its fleet of diesel trains in August 2023.

This project has been developed in partnership with Chrome Angel Solutions, auticon, Angel Trains and Smart Rail Services.

Chrome Angel Solutions specialises in the implementation of transformational technology for the railways and auticon, an award winning social innovation company is dedicated to improving career opportunities for the autistic community.

This supports Northern's dedication to raising awareness about neuro-inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

It has been funded by the Northern Innovation Fund as well as the Department for Transport as part of the Local Transport Decarbonisation strand of the Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme, which is delivered by Connected Places Catapult.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with nearly 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.