Rail Partners responds to ORR freight rail usage and performance statistics
Responding to today's freight usage and performance statistics, Andy Bagnall, Chief Executive of Rail Partners, said:
“Despite the positive news this week that rail freight is attracting global companies like Coca-Cola to move millions of its soft drinks daily by rail, these latest statistics underline the negative impact industrial action is having on rail freight demand, despite not directly involving the freight companies.
“Some customers are already losing confidence due to the disruption and switching from rail to road. There is a very real risk that if resolution is not achieved quickly, more customers will choose less environmentally sustainable modes in the long term. This not only puts the potential growth of the sector at risk, but it also undermines the ability of rail freight to contribute to wider economic growth and support the achievement of net zero targets.”
Notes to editors
Notes to Editors
ORR statistics: https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/statistics/usage/freight-rail-usage-and-performance/
About Rail Partners
Rail Partners exists to make the railway better by harnessing the expertise and creativity of private sector operators for the benefit of those who use the railway, passengers and freight customers, and those who pay for it, including taxpayers.
Rail Partners provides advocacy and policy solutions for its private sector passenger owning Group and freight company members. Rail Partners additionally provides technical services to train operating companies in both the public and private sectors. For more information regarding our membership visit https://www.railpartners.co.uk/