Network Rail Holds Public Vote to Name Leaf Busting Train Ahead of Autumn Service
Network Rail is giving the public the opportunity to vote on a name for a leaf-busting train that will be deployed to tackle autumn-related delays on the tracks. Out of more than 1,300 suggestions received, the rail provider has narrowed it down to four final names: Ctrl Alt De-leaf, Leaf-Fall Weapon, Pulp Friction, and The Autumn Avenger.
The fleet of these “unsung hero” trains will be put into action to clear leaves from 1.12 million miles of tree-lined tracks between September and December. Leaves on the tracks in autumn present a serious hazard to railway operations in the UK, as they create a slippery surface similar to black ice, making it challenging for trains to brake effectively.
Equipped with high-pressure jets, the leaf busting trains are designed to remove leaf mulch from the tracks, ensuring safe and smooth journeys for passengers. Additionally, some of these trains can apply a gel with a mixture of sand and steel grains to assist with the traction of the train wheels during acceleration and braking.
While popular suggestions like ‘Britney Clears’, ‘Buster Grimes’, and ‘Don’t Stop De-Leafing’ didn’t make the cut, railway author and presenter Tim Dunn commended the shortlisted names for their clever and fitting puns. Lisa Angus, Network Rail’s seasonal delivery director, highlighted the significance of raising awareness about the challenges posed by leaves on the tracks and the monumental effort undertaken by the rail industry each year to keep services running smoothly during the autumn season.
Voting for the name of the leaf-busting train is open until Friday, 18 October, with the winner set to be revealed on 24 October. The initiative serves as a light-hearted way to shed light on the vital role these trains play in maintaining the efficiency and safety of railway services amidst autumn challenges.
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