Network Rail introduces discounts for train operators’ track access charges, in a bid to encourage new business to the railway, particularly freight. The relevant charges would be waived in full for six months whilst new traffic is being established.
“Rail freight is so important not just because it’s environmentally friendly but because it underpins so much of our economy in a sustainable way. But it’s not just words and cutting that carbon that will bring more freight to the tracks and off the roads – haulage is very price-sensitive and by bringing this discount in, we are doing our bit to help our freight customers,” Network Rail’s director for planning and regulation, Paul McMahon, said.
A single freight train can take up to 76 lorries off the British roads, and rail freight itself saves over 1 million tonnes of carbon every year, with every train taking the country closer towards net zero objective. “It’s not a surprise then that ambitious targets have been set by leaders in Westminster and Holyrood to boost the sector,” Network Rail says.
While Network Rail’s offer is open to all train operators and types of service that meet the qualifying criteria, the driver behind it was the company’s commitment to support the growth of rail freight.
To reduce the track access charges, Network Rail is offering around GBP 1,000 (EUR 1,189) per train circulation – out and back – depending on the length and loading of the trains.
“The rail freight sector plays a crucial role in keeping the country moving, providing a faster, greener and more efficient way of transporting goods. The Government’s policy is to promote and grow the use of freight services across the country and make moving goods by rail the obvious choice for businesses, and this initiative will do just that,” Rail Minister Lord Hendy said.
More than 600 freight trains run in Britain every day, supporting the construction industry, car manufacturing, food, supermarkets, timber and more. In Britain, there are 12 freight operating companies and three logistics companies which buy freight train services between inland terminals and act as aggregators.
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