THE biggest train operator in the region has revealed plans to slash its annual £50 million fuel bill with the help of data science-driven recommendations.

Northern, working with Chrome Angel Solutions and auticon, has created a model to calculate the best train speed and braking patterns for routes across the North of England - subtle optimisations which, if used to coach drivers, could save "thousands of litres of diesel a year," according to Northern.

An early test between Middlesbrough and Whitby showed a potential 7 per cent reduction in fuel consumption.

Routes that will form part of ongoing trials will include Darlington to Saltburn, Newcastle to Whitby, Nunthorpe to Kildale, and more.

Rob Warnes, strategic development director at Northern, said: "Along with the rest of the UK rail industry, Northern is working towards phasing out diesel-only trains by 2040.

"However, with only 25 per cent of our network electrified, diesel trains remain integral to our operation and, as such, we want to make sure we operate them in the most fuel-efficient way."

The project has been developed in partnership with Chrome Angel Solutions, auticon, Angel Trains, and Smart Rail Services, and funded by the Northern Innovation Fund and the Department for Transport.