News

Rail Partners’ latest research shows the cost of rail freight has risen over three times faster than road haulage over the last decade.

• Rail freight operators want to invest in the UK to help decarbonise supply chains. A thriving rail freight sector can support the delivery of the government’s national missions in its Plan for Change, including kickstarting economic growth, achieving net zero and building new houses.
• Rail Partners’ A Greener Track report, based on independent research, shows the cost of moving goods by rail has risen three times faster than road costs over the last decade, partly driven by government policy. Market conditions have become increasingly challenging for rail freight operators and continue to present a significant barrier to growth and decarbonisation of the transport sector.
• To secure rail freight growth, government can use the upcoming legislative consultation on rail reform to create a more favourable environment for operators to boost investor confidence and drive modal shift.

• Rail Partners’ sustainability conference focused on two key themes: cutting carbon and connecting communities.
• Industry experts from across the railway discussed sustainable initiatives and the opportunities and challenges facing the railway.
• Hosted by Rail Partners, the sustainability conference took place at the Barbican Centre in London with speakers from organisations including West Coast Partnership Development, East Midlands Railway, Govia Thameslink Railway and Community Rail Network.

• Rail Partners has raised around £65,000 to support the Ukrainian Railway’s need for protective kits for employees working near the frontline, with train drivers in high-risk regions beginning to receive their protection.
• Members of Rail Partners, including Arriva, DB Cargo, FirstGroup and Transport UK have contributed to Rail Partners’ Kit for Kyiv campaign.
• Ukrainian train drivers are often working in dangerous areas and are the last to leave territories under attack. There has been an urgent need for protective equipment to keep them safe while they’re at work.

• Senior rail freight industry figures came together yesterday at a Rail Partners summit to discuss where rail freight growth will come from in the next few years and to break down barriers to investment. 

• Rail freight makes a significant contribution to the economy, supporting growth in sectors from Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) to construction, and adding £2.45bn in economic value to UK plc every year. Growing rail freight is an opportunity to support wider economic growth – a key mission of the government. 

• In a challenging business environment, freight companies want to work with the Department for Transport and Scottish government, the regulator and infrastructure manager to identify ways to bolster business confidence – helping freight companies to invest in newer and greener services.