Rail freight

04.10.13

Freight traffic up by 3.7% – ORR

The amount of freight moved has increased by 3.7% this year, new statistics from the ORR show. In 2013-14 Q1 freight was moved to a total of 5.7bn net tonne kilometres.

The report, Research findings on freight, also showed that freight delay per 100 train km in 2012-13 Q1 increased by 4.2% compared to the previous year. This may be down to the landslip at Hatfield, which cut off a main freight route for several months.

92% of customers said that having a choice of rail freight operators was fairly or very important, and cost, service quality and punctuality continue to be a top priority.

Maggie Simpson, RFG executive director, commented: “This research by ORR highlights how a competitive rail freight sector is valued by its customers, for the cost reductions and service improvements it has delivered.  More needs to be done to make sure rail freight remains cost effective and focused on meeting customer needs across all the commodity sectors.”

Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]

Comments

Nonsuchmike   04/10/2013 at 15:17

Another 4% or 5% increase this year will be much appreciated, especially if the prices can be pegged to be as competitive as possible. Ipswich, Ely and Soham dualling extensions will help, but we really need four line working all down the east Coast route as well as two more east/west routes in the midlands and north. Why do Wales and the far south west always come at the end of the queue when it comes to money for new routes, stations, general improvements?

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