DERBY train operator East Midlands Trains has revealed that it is looking into the possibility of running greener hybrid trains.

The Pride Park-based firm, which operates Midland Mainline services between Derby and London, has held talks with city train-maker Bombardier about operating trains that run on both diesel and electricity.

At the official launch of the new £22m Etches Park train maintenance depot in Derby, East Midlands Trains managing director Tim Shoveller said a meeting had been held to discuss running the more environmentally-friendly trains.

He has been calling on the Government to electrify the Midland Mainline.

Electric motors are seen as the most environmentally-friendly option for trains, but much of Britain's high-speed rail network still relies on diesel-engined models.

The company sees running hybrid versions as a good compromise in the interim.

Mr Shoveller said: "Part of the line is already electrified near Bedford. Travelling by train is already the most environmentally-friendly way to get around. Introducing hybrid technology would enable to reduce our carbon footprint further."

At present, Bombardier's Litchurch Lane factory does not make any hybrid trains, but could have the capability to do so.

At yesterday's launch of the new-look Etches Park was Laurent Troger, president of Bombardier services division, who is based in Berlin.

He said that hybrid trains made by Bombardier elsewhere in Europe were already operating in France.

He said: "There is no reason why these trains cannot be used in the UK.

"Hybrid trains would be a good solution while they wait for the full electrification of the line.

"Of course, much depends on the policies of the new government. But I believe that, through working in partnership, we could see these greener trains in the UK in the next couple of years."

In the meantime, East Midlands Trains said the refurbishment of Etches Park should further improve the punctuality and reliability of its existing fleet.

Performance figures for April from the National Passenger Survey found that 95% of East Midlands Trains' services ran on time.

A team of 140 engineers from Bombardier maintains East Midlands Trains' fleet of 27 Meridian trains at the Deadman's Lane depot.

The improvements include new maintenance sheds, upgrades to an engine shed and new buildings containing stores, offices and staff facilities.

An under-frame wash, which cleans below the trains, has been installed, as well as a £2m wheel lathe, which helps keep the wheels of trains round.

Mr Shoveller said: "The investment we have made in Etches Park is a statement of our intent and I really hope that the new coalition government will show the same commitment by continuing to invest in our railways.

"When it comes to infrastructure projects, my view is that rail is the only horse the Government should be backing."