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A nationwide consultation, mounted by the incoming management agency Great British Railways, has been told that freight growth is the key to unlocking a revival of fortunes in the UK rail sector. The Rail Freight Group (RFG) has called for an ambitious target to be set for Great British Railways (GBR) to drive rail freight growth. The call backs up a government mandate to quantify rail freight growth as a critical part of UK economic strategy.
Responding to a call for evidence from the GBR Transition Team, the Rail Freight Group has highlighted the potential for freight growth in the UK. The representative body, whose membership includes around one hundred of the biggest and most influential players in the industry, has highlighted the need for GBR to work with the private sector freight operators and customers to bring more goods to rail.
Private sector can drive growth
The RFG argues that rail freight growth, and by extension overall economic growth can only be achieved if there is a successful partnership between the private sector and government. It says the private sector can drive growth by investing in locomotives and rolling stock to modernise its fleet and to increase capacity.
Despite the short-term economic crisis, made only too apparent this week by the collapse of the pound sterling, the trade body encourages investment in new terminals and handling facilities, with a view to the long-term returns earned by rail infrastructure. They also told the GBRTT that marketing the railway to new and existing freight customers, developing partnerships and providing attractive services were all vital ways to attract new users. Read more
Source: RAILFREIGHT.COM
