Hull train operator reports 'green' gains with new fleet

A Hull railway operator claims to have significantly reduced its carbon emissions with a new ‘green’ fleet of trains.

Hull Trains’ new high-tech fleet of Hitachi 802’s is powered by both diesel and electricity and replaced the 180 fleets in 2019.

Following checks on the last six periods of data, Hull Trains are now able to demonstrate an average energy reduction of 62.3 per cent against the old 180 and HST fleets. This means a 64 per cent reduction in CO2e emitted per vehicle km.

David Gibson, managing director, said: “Travelling by train is the greenest form of public transport and one single train journey can remove up to 500 cars from the road.

“By investing in trains that can operate using both electricity and diesel, Hull Trains made an investment not only in improved customer experience but also in making the towns and cities we serve cleaner and healthier.”

David added: “The next challenge of course is to get that CO2 emissions number even lower, and I will be working with the fleet and the operational teams to make this happen. Everyone at Hull Trains is working towards the same goal of reducing the impact on our environment and making a real difference to future generations.”

The news comes as the rail industry prepares to showcase its green credentials at the COP26 Transport Day on November 10th. The ‘We Mean Green’ campaign, promoted by the Rail Delivery Group, aims to promote the train travel to both delegates and the general public.