Cross-industry collaboration is driving rail innovation

I was delighted that Porterbrook’s HybridFLEX battery diesel hybrid train entered passenger service this week. Developed in collaboration with Chiltern Railways, Rolls Royce, MTU and Porterbrook, it will provide improved train performance and significant environmental benefits for passengers to and from London Marylebone to destinations such as Aylesbury, Birmingham and Oxford.

The innovative train train reduces CO2 emissions by up to 25% and NOx emissions by nearly 70% while generating 75% less noise in urban areas and in stations. Its increased acceleration allows more passenger service options for the operator while the regenerative braking facility stores surplus energy.

At a time when the railway is focused on improving efficiencies the lower maintenance costs of key components on HybridFLEX such as the braking system could realise an operating cost reduction of nearly 20% over the remaining life of the fleet. It’s a reminder of the importance of using what we have got better and how a whole life asset management approach can deliver real benefits for passengers and taxpayers.

I look forward to working with our key partners to further examine and scope the feasibility of more hybrid battery-diesel trains coming into service on the rail network in the future.