Lpg Railcar Leading Innovation
on the Railways
Trials of a light railcar system, featuring
a 2-litre lpg driveline vehicle using flywheel energy storage
to give it regenerative braking and high energy efficiency, will
begin in October.
The railcar, built by Parry People Movers,
will run between Stourbridge Junction and Stourbridge Town stations,
operating as a Sunday
service. The trial is to be funded by the Department for Transport
as a showcase for innovation on the railway network.
John Parry, chief executive of Parry People Movers, said: “The
system is environmentally friendly, with very low emissions.
The railcar does 15 miles to the gallon, as opposed to 2 miles
per gallon offered by a standard diesel rail unit.
"It weighs just 12 tonnes, compared to
the 48 tonnes of a standard DMU and is very
energy efficient." Parry People Movers hopes that the trial
will lead to the wider adoption of light railcars on the rail
network. It is currently
designing an 80-passenger car that could provide a cost effective
alternative to current rail units used on branch lines.
"Horrific bureaucracy in the rail industry
means that real innovation rarely gets on to the network," said
John Parry. “However,
the Stourbridge trial will be a great opportunity to show that
new systems are out there that can change the face of the railways."
Contact
Parry People Movers on 01384 569553 www.parrypeoplemovers.com
Return to October/November
2004 News
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