Metro wins national energy saving award

Operators of the Tyne and Wear Metro have won an award for their efforts in reducing the amount of electricity required to power the trains.

The Light Rail Awards 2013 saw DB Regio Tyne and Wear, which operates the Metro on behalf of Nexus, win the Environmental Initiative category at the awards.

The firm made innovative modifications to trains so auxiliary circuitry could be turned off when they are sitting idle at night, during the summer.

When temperatures drop to below six degrees Celsius during winter months, auxiliary motors and components must remain switched on and energised to provide for the heating and lighting systems on the trains – even when stabled.

However, by making the modifications to all Metrocars during the summer months when warmer temperatures mean auxiliary circuitry can be switched off without any detrimental effect on Metrocars, DB Regio Tyne and Wear has seen a 15% reduction in high voltage energy consumption, reducing costs and Metro’s carbon footprint.

DB Regio Tyne and Wear was also highly commended in the team of the year and innovation categories at the Light Rail Awards. These were in recognition of the improvements made to stations across the network, and the introduction of a mobile app to make the ticket inspection and prosecution system more accurate and efficient.

Richard McClean, managing director of DB Regio Tyne and Wear, said: “I am delighted that our efforts to improve Metro has been recognised with these awards. All three initiatives demonstrate innovation and creativity in our approach to tackling issues in a cost effective way, which have a positive impact on our services for customers and the wider community.”

Director of Finance and Resources for Nexus, John Fenwick, added: “High voltage power forms a significant part of Metro’s cost base so we are delighted that our operations contractor, DBTW, is responding to the ambitious targets we set for them in order to reduce electricity consumption and deliver better value for passengers and local taxpayers.”

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