The creation of a ‘virtual route’ for rail freight has been welcomed by the Freight Transport Association.

Network Rail created the ‘route’ following recommendations in the Shaw Report (RAIL 802). The infrastructure company said that it also forms part of its devolution plans.

The FTA called the creation a positive development. “The announcement of a single route managing director dealing with freight operations and other nationwide operators is a welcome one and develops the ‘system operator’ role in the Shaw Report. Most freight flows in Britain operate across more than one Network Rail boundary,” said FTA Head of Rail Policy Chris MacRae.

He explained that the Shaw Report recognised concerns of the freight sector that nationwide freight operations should not be compromised by route devolution and the possible alignment with dominant train operating companies on specific routes.

He added: “The associated announcement of enhanced governance arrangements and business development relations for freight is also a positive move.”

MacRae concluded: “Rail freight faces a number of challenges in developing into new markets that are not naturally aligned to rail after the ending of coal traffic. It is therefore vital that a flexible, customer-oriented and responsive structure exists to facilitate the gaining of new traffics to rail.”

  • To read more on the creation of the 'virtua; route', read RAIL 802, published on June 8.
  • To read more on the decline of rail freight, read RAIL 802, published on June 8.