Autistic data scientists are advising Northern on the most fuel-efficient way to operate its fleet of 276 diesel trains.

Working in partnership with Chrome Angel Solutions, Northern is developing a modelling tool that will provide information on the optimum train speeds and braking patterns for the specific topography of the North of England.

Chrome Angel Solutions has previous experience in developing highly structured and flexible ways of working that can take into account neurodiverse thinking and needs. To facilitate the tool’s development, Chrome has partnered with auticon, which is an international technology company dedicated to creating equal employment opportunities for autistic adults.

The modelling tool will use real consumption data to ensure the best fuel efficiency, which in turn will produce lower emissions with their resultant environmental benefits. Overall, the net effect will bring economic benefits arising from lower consumption of expensive diesel fuel and better overall asset condition, which in turn will help improve the sustainability of the railway by reducing operational costs.

The project is being funded by the Department for Transport as part of the Local Transport Decarbonisation strand of the Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme, which is delivered by Connected Places Catapult, and is being developed with support from Angel Trains and Smart Rail Services.

Further development will now take place to test the model’s accuracy against a number of variables such as wind speed and direction. Before the project progresses further, the model will be validated against different types of trains to ensure accuracy across all of Northern’s fleet.

Rob Warnes, strategic development director at Northern, said: “Along with the rest of the UK rail industry, Northern is working towards eliminating diesel-only trains from our fleet by 2040.

“Until then, we want to ensure we’re operating those we do use in the most fuel-efficient way – to make sure we’re emitting the least amount of CO? and providing value for money for taxpayers.

“The TRIG programme is designed to support highly innovative, early-stage research and development projects like this – and we’re incredibly grateful to the Department for Transport for their support.”

Anisa Mamaniyat, product director at Chrome Angel Solutions, said: “Research by The Office for National Statistics shows that less than 22% of autistic people are in a meaningful form of employment that aligns with their educational achievement.

“By bringing their unique skills and talents into our team, we can learn and encourage diversity and inclusion within our sector.

“It’s personally very rewarding to see people who might really struggle with traditional practices thrive with some practical adjustments to the way we work. These are changes that are beneficial for many of us.”