Partnership with government needed to deliver rail freight growth

UK: The Rail Freight Group has highlighted the potential for market growth in its response to a call for evidence from the Great British Railways Transition Team, but says this can only be achieved if there is a successful partnership between the private sector and government.

RFG said the private sector can drive growth by investing in locomotives, rolling stock, terminals and handling facilities, modernising the rail freight offer, improving sustainability and marketing to new and existing customers.

However, the association said the government must play an active part in supporting freight growth by providing a supporting legislative, regulatory and planning framework.

It said the industry needs effective governance, increased network capacity, more terminals, a stable price for electricity, a clear strategy for decarbonisation, a sustained programme of electrification, and advocacy and support to attract new customers, including those with sub-trainload volumes.

‘Our members want to move more of their supply chains onto rail and that will need the right partnership between GBR and the private sector’, said RFG Assistant Policy Manager Phil Smart on September 27. ‘An ambitious growth target will help drive the right behaviours and build confidence in the sector.’