Trains switch off to save on fuel

A RAIL company operating on the main line through Saddleworth has been turning off engines to save fuel.

First Transpennine Express which uses the line which runs from Liverpool to York was looking for ways to cut up to 10 per cent from its fuel bills.

And technology allows the multi-engined trains to shut down one of the engines.

The shut-down, automatically carried out by computers, is particularly relevant on the slopes down to Diggle and Greenfield from Stanedge Tunnel.

The train engine switch-off is believed to be a first for First Transpennine Express.

Engineering director Nick Donovan said: “It simply stops engines from idly burning fuel.

“The feedback from drivers has been great. They are saying they are very impressed and it works a treat. The cruise control works fantastically.”