The new specific focus on freight within the Rail Technical Strategy (RTS) highlights the critical role that rail has in supporting the UK’s supply chain network. Rail freight provides the most efficient, safe, and green way of transporting goods across the country, and its economic, environmental, and societal benefits are significant.  

In 2023, the government announced a long-term rail freight growth target of at least 75% by 2050, providing confidence to those wanting to move goods by rail. Realising this and delivering a shift from road to rail will also support the government’s 2050 net-zero policy. To drive this growth and to seize the opportunity before us, we need to address the challenges that the rail freight sector faces today. 

Innovation is pivotal and will ensure we are advancing alongside other transport modes, to maintain and further enhance our competitiveness. We need to not only develop and improve what exists today, but embrace new ideas about wagons, terminals, and systems of the future. The goals and technical stepping stones identified in the RTS will open opportunities for Network Rail, Freight Operating Companies and End Users to do exactly this. And this is why I am delighted to be Sponsor for this RTS priority. 

So, what are some of these opportunities? 

• Greater use of data, together with better and integrated systems, to allow for dynamic interrogation of the best options for moving goods from one point to another, reducing carbon and improving outcomes for customers.  

• More dynamic and efficient paths to allow rail to compete effectively with road, and assets to be cycled more productively.  

• New solutions to continue to digitise rail freight locomotives and wagons, enhancing safety, increasing reliability, and bringing cost savings. 

• Better understanding of asset condition to ensuring timely interventions and minimal timetable disruption. This will become increasingly important with higher traffic volumes and increasing weather events, alongside the need to safeguard critical routes.  

• Being innovative, dynamic and data driven in the service offering to attract those new to rail and break down the barriers they are experiencing.    

Technology is critical to modernise, boost efficiencies, reduce costs, and further support an integrated supply chain. The rail freight sector needs to be on the front foot of this transformation. The direction and focus that this RTS priority gives to all freight stakeholders in working together towards a truly ‘freight friendly’ railway is essential to a successful transformation that makes rail the mode of choice for new and existing customers.