There is still need for better understanding of the rail freight market and the expectations of existing and potential new customers, according to the Freight Transport Association.
The statement comes after the Office of Rail Regulation’s announcement regarding its decision of the change to track access charges for 2014-2019.
The ORR will increase freight rates by 21 per cent over the control period, which FTA believes will be a significant set back in promoting the future growth of the sector.
“FTA remains concerned that the new higher freight track access charging announced today by the ORR which could still cause future uncertainty as to the direction of rail freight policy. We believe that rail must find ways of becoming more price competitive with road where costs to customers have gone down in real terms,” said FTA’s rail freight policy manager, Chris MacRae.
