MEDIA RELEASE
8 September 2008

Train Drivers Save 2.7 Million Litres Of Fuel

Energy Minister Hon David Parker this morning congratulated KiwRail train drivers for the savings they have achieved relating to the company’s KiwiRail’s Fuel Saver scheme.

Since the scheme was introduced 2 years ago the company has saved 2.7 million litres of fuel per annum, which he described as an outstanding achievement for all involved.

The initiative has included a fuel saving competition supported by Shell NZ amongst train drivers to encourage them to change their driving styles such as avoiding rapid acceleration, going easy on the brakes and avoiding unnecessary idling.

The Minister made the draw this morning for the three winning drivers nationwide who have taken part in the fuel saving competition.

The winners being Geoff Carter from Westfield, Auckland, Paddy Guerin from Palmerston North and Eric Crisp from Greymouth.

The C02 reduction achieved thanks to the scheme in 2006/2007 was 2290 tonnes and this increased to 4710 tonnes saved in 2007/2008.

Group General Manager KiwiRail, Joe Garbellini also congratulated the locomotive engineers who have taken part and said they can feel immensely proud of their achievements for the environment.

ENDS