Arriva to invest £4.5 million in eco-technology for UK rail operations
Posted: 17 December 2013 | | No comments yet
Energymiser® DAS is an on board computer screen which provides drivers with real-time route information…
European transport group Arriva is set to invest £4.5 million in leading eco-technology at its UK rail operations.
More than 580 train cabs from 15 different train fleets at the group’s Arriva Trains Wales, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry and Grand Central rail operations will be fitted with the Energymiser® Driver Advisory System (DAS).
The technology, produced by TTG Transportation Technology, will help drivers from across Arriva’s UK rail operations deliver smoother, more efficient journeys for passengers while reducing fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent* and lowering overall diesel fuel related emissions.
Energymiser® DAS is an on board computer screen which provides drivers with real-time route information on train running times allowing them to monitor train performance and reliability. It offers guidance on train speeds to help drivers keep services to timetable while ensuring greater fuel efficiency and progressive driving techniques.
The technology also has the potential to integrate with rail infrastructure in the future allowing live feeds about network conditions, speed restrictions or disruption ahead enabling drivers to respond more effectively.
Steve Murphy, chief operating officer at Arriva UK Trains, said: “This technology is a major investment that will support our drivers every day out on the UK’s rail network.
“It will provide them with the information they need to help maximise train performance for our customers and reduce fuel consumption and emissions to make rail travel more eco-friendly.”
The contract was awarded following competitive trials over the last 12 months and rigorous assessment by Arriva UK Trains’ procurement team, which is responsible for sourcing and delivering best value procurement projects.
Installation of Energymiser® DAS will start at CrossCountry trains in early 2014 followed by Chiltern Railways in the spring. Installation at Arriva Trains Wales and Grand Central is proposed for later in 2014.
As part of the contract there is an option to explore the potential benefits of extending the technology to Arriva’s joint venture business London Overground Rail Operations (LOROL). A similar system for electric trains, Fassi DAS, is already in use at Arriva’s Tyne and Wear Metro operations.
Results from Energymiser® DAS technology will also be shared elsewhere across the group, to see if other Arriva rail operations outside of the UK could benefit from the technology in the future.
Dale Coleman, TTG’s group managing director, said: “Winning this Arriva contract is fantastic news for TTG.
“We will be working closely with Arriva UK Trains and its fleet maintenance facilities to introduce Energymiser® DAS so our technology can deliver its full potential for Arriva’s passengers, drivers and operations.”