Case Studies - Rail

Assessing the Benefits of Enhanced Freight Speed Differentials on the GB Network

Category: Cities and Local Authorities, Rail

Aether undertook data analysis and modelling as part of a RSSB project to investigate the benefits of allowing freight trains to run at higher speeds at locations where the signal spacing is sufficient for the increased stopping distance. Such enhanced speeds could potentially lead to improved timetabling, with more competitive running times and better use of capacity on congested routes. The project was led by Railfreight Consulting, supported by specialists Railway Braking Associates, Carrickarory Consulting and D2 Global; Aether developed a geographical model of the rail network and signal locations, and undertook modelling of freight train running times under revised speed limits.

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Developing Improved Methods for Modelling Freight Train Load Limits and Running Times

Category: Rail

Aether contributed to two RSSB projects that developed and tested improved methods for calculating the maximum loads that freight trains can haul and their running times, taking account of traction, wagon types and loadings, and route geography. The projects were led by Railfreight Consulting, with Aether and Carrickarory Consulting undertaking data analysis and modelling, and supported by Mitch Town Consulting, DVision One Limited and D2 Global.

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Guidance on Reducing Emissions from Idling Diesel Trains

Category: Cities and Local Authorities, Rail

This RSSB project undertook research into the extent to which diesel trains are idling, where this occurs, the reasons for it, and the implications for air quality. The findings were used to produce guidance to help the rail industry to reduce the amount of idling without compromising the operation of the railway. Aether led the project team, with specialist advice from Carrickarory Consulting and Atkins-Realis.

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Railway Speed, Energy and Emissions Simulator (SEEsim)

Category: Cities and Local Authorities, Emission Inventories, Rail

SEEsim is the first tool for the UK that can calculate, to a high level of granularity and accuracy, the energy usage and resulting emissions for a specified freight train configuration travelling on specified routes on the GB rail network.

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Alina Novikova, UN/ECE Secretariat

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