A GROUND-breaking, “low carbon’’ local rail service, aimed at eventually taking thousands of vehicles off Hampshire’s roads, is launched today.

Trials of the ultra light train, never seen in the south, will begin next week and if successful could start permanent passenger services later this year.

Operator GO! Co-operative (GOCO), experts in sustainable travel systems, is behind the scheme.

The secret to the lightweight railcars is a flywheel, which stores energy, allowing the use of a smaller engine to minimise emissions.

The pioneering engine will run over tracks normally used by the Watercress Line on the 18-minute trip from Medstead and Four Marks to Alton and will connect with South West Trains’ service to London Waterloo.

This area of Hampshire is an ideal location to demonstrate the system, which backers say is aimed at meeting the demands for a convenient and sustainable local rail service for the local population of around 7,000, including many London commuters.

It will reduce the need for commuters to drive and park their cars at Alton station.

Chris Phillimore, business development director at GOCO, said, at the official launch of the service today: “The lightweight railcars will be wearing GOCO livery and will be our first service to paying passengers.

“The pilot service is an example of the strengths of our co-operative business model, the ‘Big Society’ in action and of the benefits of sustainable travel.

“These railcars are capable of serving locations that would normally be considered too small for a rail service.

The railcar has a flywheel to store energy, allowing the use of a smaller engine and so minimising emissions. Also, we will be looking into finding supplies of waste oils, which can be recycled into biodiesel, so we can truly describe the service as ‘zero carbon’.’’ GOCO’s ambition is to improve access to public transport by bringing the benefits of co-operative ownership to the operation of time-tabled train services on the national rail network.

The organisation also seeks to provide bus links and develop car clubs to enable communities to access sustainable transport options.

The trial, which will run between January 24 and February 18, has been made possible through the support of Hampshire County Council, East Hants District Council, Mid-Hants Railway and South West Trains together with finance from a group of investors in lightrail community transport.

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Councillor Mel Kendal, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for the environment, said: “The council is delighted to support this local business venture, aimed at meeting sustainable local travel demands.

“Not only does the service integrate with the existing transport infrastructure but it also addresses the low carbon agenda. We wish the service every success and await the outcome of the trial.”

The GOCO Mid Hants Link will run five times each Monday to Friday morning and afternoon peak time.

Tickets will cost £5 return (£3 single) with reductions for concessions, and can be purchased on the train.