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Aylesbury MP Rob Butler has applauded the introduction of a new hybrid train between London Marylebone and Aylesbury, that could cut pollution by 25% and reduce noise by 75% going in and out of stations.
Rob joined Chiltern Railways Managing Director Richard Allen and other dignitaries for the inaugural passenger journey of the HybridFLEX on its 40-mile route.
It's the first 100mph-capable battery-diesel hybrid train to operate on the UK rail network, with the Government pledging to remove all diesel-only trains from UK railways by 2040.
Rob said:
“The HybridFLEX is a brilliant innovation that could make train travel even better for both passengers and people living close to stations. I was delighted to be on the first passenger journey, which was much smoother and quieter than on the diesel-only trains.
“I'm especially pleased that residents near Aylesbury, Stoke Mandeville and Wendover stations will benefit from the reduced noise as the train approaches and leaves the platform. This train is exactly the type of investment we need to reduce the impact of transport on climate change, and I congratulate the teams at Rolls Royce, Porterbrook and Chiltern Railways for bringing this concept to life.”