Updated rail freight forecasts show ‘strong prospects for growth’

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Updated forecasts for rail freight have been published today by the Rail Freight Group (RFG) and Rail Freight Operators Association, and continue to show strong prospects for rail freight growth.

Produced by MDS Transmodal, the forecasts show that volumes are expected to double by 2030, placing increasing demands on the rail network and in particular on the major trunk routes such as the West and East Coast Main Lines.

Despite the recent economic downturn, rail freight volumes grew by 2% between 2006-2011, and over the same period, intermodal rail freight grew by 29%, exceeding previous forecasts.

By 2030, overall volumes are expected to be around 120% of current levels, with 3.3% year on year growth predicted.

The forecast have also looked at productivity improvements in rail freight, in particular the impact of both longer trains and a move from a 5 day to 6 day a week operation for intermodal trains.

Such measures, if implemented would reduce the number of additional paths needed on the network, and, as they would tend to reduce rail costs, would also generate additional modal shift.

Speaking today, RFG Chairman Tony Berkeley, said:

“These updated forecasts demonstrate the strong potential for rail freight growth between the major conurbations in the UK.

“Helping the freight operators to run longer trains, each day of the week, will allow them to make the most efficient use of existing paths, but cannot alone address the need for additional network capacity.

“Further investment in the Strategic Freight Network, and support for the development of new terminals must be prioritised by Government to support this doubling of rail freight.”

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