Trains are turning engines off downhill to save cash

Sep 4 2008 by Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Let’s freewheel down the track!

FREEWHEELING trains are bringing cash benefits and helping the environment.

Trains running on the busy trans-Pennine line through Huddersfield are having their engines switched off at key points.

And the innovative project is already paying off.

Bosses at First TransPennine Express say the scheme has slashed their diesel fuel bills by 7%, saving them tens of thousands of pounds.

It has also cut carbon emissions by up to 10%.

The company hopes to eventually save 2.5m litres of fuel each year, but has no plans yet to pass on savings to passengers.