ETA

Diesel-powered trains in Britain are to run on biodiesel and cut their engines when travelling downhill in an attempt to reduce their emissions.

Rail operator South West Trains is trialling a mixture of diesel, soya beans and rape seed oil to test its viability as a green fuel alternative. Meanwhile, First TransPennine Express has fitted its rolling stock with technology to automatically cut engine power when it can tell a train is going down hill.

The initiatives come as the rail industry tries to cope with the soaring cost of diesel and concern over the environmental performance of its diesel-powered trains.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “As cars become ever more efficient, there is a sense that Britain’s fleet of diesel-powered trains needs to follow suit and clean up its act.”

“There are huge question marks over the sustainability of current biofuels so it may be that running diesel trains in this way will produce no net gain, but the coasting technology will offer a certain saving.”

Are trains greener than cars?

For the most part, yes. On a long run, however, the most efficient cars can produce lower emissions per passenger than a diesel-powered train.

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What is the ETA?

The ETA is a not-for-profit ethical organisation providing motorists and cyclists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.