Case Studies - Rail

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

Category: 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.

Read case study

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.

Read case study

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.

Read case study

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.

Read case study

Testimonial

Don't just take our word for it...

“ Aether is a great partner for work in the area of European Air Emissions. The team was committed, reliable, well organised and had a deep technical understanding and motivated other partners with their good spirit. ”

Umweltbundesamt: Environment Agency Austria

“ The support provided by Aether for this project was especially remarkable considering the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tools and methods used in order to engage local stakeholders really added value to the capacity building of the national team. ”

Shanna Emmanuel, Saint Lucia BUR Project Coordinator

“ From their winning bid to final delivery, Aether's work with North Norfolk District Council was positive and thorough. They brought a clear understanding of the challenges local authorities face regarding carbon emissions and quickly understood the unique nature of the Coastwise project. Communication was effective, and the outcomes combined a depth of research with real-world utility for the council's activities around carbon emissions and mitigation. ”

Alastair Zangs, North Norfolk District Council

“ The Aether team were a joy to work with and I would recommend the consultancy - the service provided throughout the process was exceptional. ”

Clare Bayley, Defra

“ If we have a need for any more reports in the future Aether will be first on my list. ”

Alan Hardy, Kyson Design

“ Aether was a great asset in involving/engaging with Member States experts on highly technical subjects regarding GHG reporting. Very clear communication of issues and results. ”

Andreas Pilzecker, DG CLIMA

Contact us

Get in touch

Call us on +44 1865 259 200, complete the short form below, or go to the Contact page

Aether would like to keep in touch with you via email with news and updates. Please be assured that we'll treat your information with the utmost care and will not share it with other companies for marketing purposes. See our privacy policy.

Newsletter