Arriva to invest £4.5 million in eco-technology for UK rail operations

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 now Modaxo, 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.”

Arriva’s notes to editor:

• •  Fuel reduction on Arriva’s fleet is expected to vary from 5 per cent to 15 per cent depending on the train type and driving technique
  • Energymiser® DAS will be installed on 15 different Arriva DMU fleets: Class 43 (HST), 67, 142, 143, 150, 153, 158, 165, 168, 170, 172, 175, 180, 220, 221 and Driving Van Trailers (DVTs).
    About Arriva
  • Arriva UK Trains is part of the Arriva group – one of the largest providers of passenger transport in Europe with some 56,000 employees operating in 15 countries
  • Every year Arriva UK Trains’ rail businesses operate more than 1.2 million services and deliver more than 245 million passenger journeys. Arriva also operates rail services in the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Sweden
  • Arriva is part of Deutsche Bahn, one of the world’s leading passenger transport and logistics service providers. Headquartered in Sunderland, UK, Arriva is responsible for Deutsche Bahn’s passenger transport services outside Germany

About TTG Transportation Technology

TTG Transportation Technology is a leading international provider of products and services to optimise energy efficiency, schedules and network capacity of passenger, freight and heavy haul rail; at both planning and operational stages. Combining consultancy, software, engineering and manufacture with domain expertise in all facets of the industry, TTG’s solutions are proven in use across five continents and specifically in Australia, the UK, New Zealand, India and Africa.

TTG’s flagship products follow 16 years R&D with leading universities: Energymiser® provides real-time driver advice and performance reports to reduce energy bills and emissions, improve on-time arrivals and utilisation of rail capacity, and reduce maintenance costs of trains and railway tracks. TTG also provides simulations to optimise design of new rail alignments to minimise subsequent energy consumption and reduce maintenance costs.