A quieter, more comfortable ride for commuters – a newly converted hybrid train – has entered service in Adelaide, the latest piece of green technology to be rolled out on the city’s metro network.
After a successful testing period, the hybrid-diesel train will be running on the Outer Harbor, Grange and Belair lines – instantly recognisable by its distinctive bright-green wrap.
Hybrid-diesel trains are quieter and release fewer fumes than traditional diesels trains, using up to 20 per cent less fuel and providing a more comfortable journey for passengers.
Each rail car of this two-car train set has been fitted with an energy storage and recovery system, the first of 44 diesel railcars to be upgraded.
The system works by recovering excess energy when the train brakes and storing it in a battery for later use.
The battery will also be used instead of the diesel engine to supply auxiliary loads – power for lighting and air-conditioning, for example – at the train platform within Adelaide Railway Station to reduce noise, emissions, and air pollution.
Installation of the energy system on the remaining trains will be a phased roll-out, with all trains expected to feature the new system by late 2024.
Once fully installed, Adelaide Metro will save an estimated 2400 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
The State Government is transitioning the Adelaide Metro system to a zero-emissions public transport system to support the net zero emissions by 2050 target.
Transport minister Tom Koutsantonis said as well as reducing the environmental impact and using significantly less fuel, the new hybrid-train also offered a great customer experience, particularly at Adelaide Railway Station where the diesel engine can remain switched off – reducing noise and fumes for those on board and in the station.
“We are about exploring any technologies or solutions to de-carbonise and deliver a net zero-emissions public transport system,” he said.