More savings and steam for KiwiRail with real-time interfaces

SYDNEY: New Zealand's national rail operator, KiwiRail, has joined forces with TTG Transportation Technology to cut energy consumption and environmental emissions, while managing on-time running of trains, using TTG's Energymiser Driver Advisory System.

KiwiRail and TTG have signed a Contract following a successful trial and competitive tendering process, to rollout Energymiser across KiwiRail's freight trains - retrofitting up to 182 mainline diesel and electric locomotives.The solution can also improve on-time running of trains and utilisation of rail capacity by interfacing with existing train scheduling systems to provide drivers real-time advice that regulates pacing between trains and critical timing points on the rail network throughout day of operation.

"Reducing our fuel usage benefits everyone", said Iain Hill, G.M. of KiwiRail Freight. Locomotive fuel is their second biggest operational cost behind labour costs.

As the company adds: "TTG Transportation Technology is a provider of solutions to optimise energy efficiency, schedules and network capacity of passenger, freight and heavy haul rail; at both planning and operational stages. Energymiser is a connected Driver Advisory System (C-DAS) providing real-time advice for train drivers to identify precise points where to coast, power and brake to conserve energy while helping ensure on-time running, and automatically adapting to actual conditions throughout each train trip."

"We're delighted to work with KiwiRail, rolling out a solution proven internationally and within New Zealand rail operations, and backed by TTG's expertise. Energymiser has achieved 14 per cent to over 20 per cent energy savings for high speed passenger and coal trains in the UK; where the solution is the market leader on a congested rail network; and from 8.9 per cent savings for iron ore trains in Africa; being over 2km long and 20,000 tonnes; to 10 per cent or more for freight trains in Australia, the U.K. and India", said Stan Ghys, Business Development Manager at TTG.

"Rail is already recognised as the least energy intensive form of land transport. We are committed to a range of energy saving measures across the business to optimise that natural strength so we can deliver value to customers and the environment. C-DAS technology will help us reduce the carbon footprint of our customers' products and long distance passenger journeys, and manage on-time running", said Hill.