15.06.12
More traffic for freight operators
Rail freight traffic has continued to grow over the past year, despite a volatile economic climate. Statistics from the ORR show that for the year to April 2012, the amount of freight moved in tonne-km was up 10% on the previous year.
The amount lifted in tonnes was also up 13%.
Intermodal traffic has seen an 11% year on year increase, coal grew by 18% and construction materials by 8%.
Maggie Simpson, Rail Freight Group policy manager, said: “Intermodal rail freight has grown consistently year-on-year since 2002/3.
“These results show the immediate benefits of the significant infrastructure investment by Government and Network Rail in gauge clearance, and longer trains, as well as the considerable investment in ports, terminals and rail equipment.”
ORR’s statistics can be found at http://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/browsereports/4
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