The route to 2050: balancing freight safety and growth
Freight operators already play a vital economic and environmental role in Britain. They contribute over £2.5bn to the economy each year. But the key to achieving their growth targets will be to encourage further modal shift from road to rail.
Achieving this shift will require a network that supports:
- increased rail capacity
- investment in infrastructure
- a commitment to decarbonisation.
One thing central to these requirements will be digital technology. The sector must evolve to use new technologies and innovations to support the best utilisation of infrastructure, assets, and resources.
Implementing processes led by data insights will help identify strengths and inefficiencies in service delivery. In turn, this will allow for better decision-making and a scalable, sustainable rail freight customer offering.
How we’re helping?
It goes without saying that safety is another key aspect of this growth. That’s where we come in. Our specific projects to support freight safety and growth include:
- the Freight Safe Insights Project, which aims to build a data ecosystem for the sector
- the Horizon Scanning service, which will help the sector understand emerging risks and potential safety hazards
- various research projects, which aim to support longer, heavier, and faster freight trains.
RSSB is playing a key role in supporting these growth ambitions. Freight is a core part of both our 2024–25 Annual Business Plan and our Rail Health and Safety Strategy. We also facilitate the Freight Safe Steering Group, which governs the sector’s collaborative health and safety plan.
GB’s rail freight sector is at a pivotal point, with the growth target presenting both challenges and opportunities. Through collaboration, innovation, and a focus on safety and sustainability, the sector aims to solidify its position as the preferred mode of freight transportation in the country.
