UK Rail Transport Network Goes Green

Posted on 17. Feb, 2009 by Ross in Transport, United Kingdom

Two recent announcements are set to boost the environmental credibility of rail transport in the UK, in marked contrast to the lack of energy-saving initiatives being announced by the British transport system generally in recent months.

Firstly, the UK Department for Transport revealed the purchase of a new fleet of Intercity trains which are faster, lighter and more efficient than existing stock. The 1,400 new Super Express hybrid trains from Agility Trains are built with a light-weight aluminium shell which weighs 17% less than its’ contemporaries, and feature various energy recovery technologies such as regenerative braking and hybrid motors to further the trains’ ability to save on energy and fuel. The trains are intended to be deployed on the Great Western and East Coast mainlines which connect London to the country’s north-east and south-west regions.

In another recent initiative, Network Rail has awarded a £100 million contract to a recycling firm to replace around 200,000 wooden sleepers a year with a non-timber alternative made from 100% recycled material. Halifax-based company I-plas believes that the endeavour will prevent an extra 16,000 tonnes of waste each year being sent to landfill. If the intial phase is successful, it is expected that the operation could be ramped up to replacing a million sleepers a year.