An environmental improvement initiative developed by First TransPennine Express and Siemens Transportation Systems, has slashed the fuel consumption of the Class 185 Diesel Multiple Unit by 7% and reduced engine running time by 80 minutes per vehicle per day, saving over 1.8m litres of fuel per year.

Eco Mode has been introduced without incurring any delay minutes on the First TransPennine Express network or compromising on passenger comfort. It has been developed through train control modifications, selective engine use, evaluation of route-by-route fuel consumption rates and analysis of driving techniques – all with the overall objective of reducing CO2 emissions.

One of the key features of the Eco Mode is reduced engine idling time by automatically shutting engines down when trains are stationary and through using just two of the three engines on selected routes. Meanwhile, Eco Driving guidelines to optimise coasting – developed following comprehensive modelling of train performance over the geography of the core route – have been introduced. First TransPennine Express has consulted and involved its drivers to ensure they are fully engaged in and supportive of the initiative.

Nick Donovan, engineering director at First TransPennine Express, said: “We take our responsibility to operate our business in a way which minimises our carbon footprint very seriously. This pioneering scheme will deliver scheme a long term reduction of at least 11% in fuel use without significant capital investment in the fleet – just initiative and hard work jointly between First TransPennine Express and Siemens. Our goal is to increase the fuel savings from the already achieved 1.8 million litres per year to at least 2.5 million litres per year.”

Additional elements of the initiative all designed to reduce fuel consumption include running empty stock moves to depots on just one engine and implementation of train control software that eliminates unnecessary engine idling at standstill.

Hans Benker, at Siemens said: “Environmental considerations such as reducing CO2 emissions and improving sustainability play an important role when it comes to making the railways attractive and ensuring that even more people and freight will be carried by rail in the future. This initiative demonstrates Siemens’ commitment to optimising the performance of the Pennine Class 185 – the first diesel variant of the proven Siemens Desiro electric train – both in terms of reliability and environmental performance. This is the first of what we hope will be a series of joint initiatives with First TransPennine Express to minimize the environmental impact of running the fleet.”

Further developments to the scheme are planned from January 2008 - the train control system will shut down engine use during trips where full power is not required and a cab display will show drivers’ fuel usage to show changes in their driving techniques translate to savings in fuel consumption.