Trains cut engines to save fuel

[Gavin-D]

A train company running services over the Pennines has told its drivers to shut off engines on downhill sections to save money. The spiralling cost of fuel and need to cut carbon emissions prompted First Transpennine Express to pilot the idea - which it said had been a success. The company said it was saving about 7% of its fuel consumption without compromising passenger comfort. The multi-engined trains can shut any number of their units while running. Nick Donovan, from First Transpennine Express, said: "The trains operate on one, two or three engines - but there's an electrical supply between the coaches which allows all the control and passenger comfort systems to be maintained even if an engine is shut down."

Full Story Here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bradford/7595511.stm

Regards
Gav

[Pompeyfan]

i don't know if this is true, but i heard today that fuel is down 40% per barrel, to just over $100 a barrel. i find it a huge surprise, and wonder what line transport companies will take, will they take advantage and in this case run again with the third engine? or will they keep it off, going "green" (which by the way does my head in)

[richard222]

Oooh. You appear to be right!

Celebrate - the energy crisis is over!

http://www.livecharts.co.uk/MarketCharts/crude.php
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7595293.stm

Ok. I'll stop overreacting

[spartacus]

I'm sure they've been able to do this almsot since new, and it's only now that it's being publicised. I know the first time one did it with me on board I wondered what was happening!! A quiet 185!!

[phill70]

Running with an engine off is not new news at all, we used to do it quite a few years ago.

[peteworsley]

So, what do you do then - bump start it at the bottom of the hill!?

Best wishes

PW

[ianmacmillan]

Most large companies negotiate a long term contract for fuel supplies.

These include the TOCs.

Most of these contracts were arranged before the recent price rises and the companies have not seen any price increases.


But it's a good excuse to put up fares and make even more profits.

[johncas]

Just turn the engine on again nice idea to save fuel but I doubt the savings in fuel will be passed on to the customers

[jbilton]

Hi
Slightly similar were the Class 127 BedPan units, which I think had a freewheeling top notch.
Admittedly the engines were not urned off, but returned to idle.

Cheers
Jon