Europe Pushing for More Freight by Rail

LONDON-Both the UK and the European Union are taking steps to modernize their rail freight systems and give them a greater role in the freight transport market. But in Europe opposition has developed from Germany’s primary rail company. The decisions would affect the location of new distribution facilities and the economic viability of existing ones.

In the UK, Network Rail, the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) and the Rail Freight Operators’ Association (RFOA) published a new paper, Planning Ahead, that lays out a strategy to increase the share of freight carried by rail to 20% by 2030. The strategy includes doubling the network’s available capacity.

“Our vision is for an efficient railway with increased capacity that can accommodate freight users’ expanding domestic and international needs,” says RFOA chairman Graham Smith. “This vision delivers reduced carbon emissions, increases the competitiveness of British industry and will enable rail to move 20% of freight in Britain.” Smith is also planning director for German rail giant DB Schenker, which in May unveiled a proposal to operate freight trains through the London to Channel Tunnel HS1 beginning early next year. The trains would share the track with high-speed passenger service that runs between London and Paris.