Rail Head Treatment Trains (RHTT) and Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs), also known by Network Rail as Leaf-Busting trains, have begun operating in the North West to keep passengers and freight moving this Autumn.

From now until the 12th of December, seven trains will wash 97,000 miles of track in the region whilst trees near the railway shed their leaves.

Network Rail’s seasonal depot at Wigan Springs Branch is the nerve centre for keeping tracks clear between Crewe and Carlisle this year.

Once the water jets have cleared the leaves, the machine then coats the rails in a sand-like gel to help provide extra grip for trains.

Talisa Fletcher, Network Rail service delivery manager, said: “Leaves on the line are a big problem for the railway. It disrupts services and inconveniences people’s journeys and every year, Network Rail and train operators work together to battle against the elements to get passengers and freight to their destinations.

“Even more work has gone into getting prepared for autumn this year because of the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, including how we operate the trains themselves. We are ready to keep people and goods moving across the North West by running a reliable service for our customers as they return to the railway as a safe and green way to travel.”

Rob Cummings, seasonal improvement manager at Northern, said: “Large numbers of leaves on the track, combined with other autumnal conditions, can cause damage to train wheels as the track become slippery. When wheels are severely damaged the affected carriage has to be taken out of service and the wheel repaired before the problem becomes even more serious.

“We are working hard as an industry to clear leaves from the line and to keep disruption to a minimum during the autumn period. Our trains are fitted with sand blasters which treat the tracks as they move, and we have introduced special timetables on problematic routes to give our customers a more reliable service. Our drivers also have advanced training to help develop techniques which further reduce the impact of slippery rails.”

Paul Watson, operations director for TransPennine Express, said: “Autumn is always a challenge for our drivers as leaves on the line can create difficult driving conditions and have an impact on our punctuality. Our trains are fitted with devices that spray sand down on the tracks, providing extra grip when required. However, occasionally our drivers will have to be cautious and drive slower than usual. If you are travelling this Autumn, please check before you travel and allow extra time when travelling.”

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