Rail Freight Research: A Catalyst for Growth and Innovation

Speaking at the 32nd Rail Freight Group Conference in London, Phillips’ highlighted the transformative potential of research in the rail freight sector. By investing in research together, the freight sector would be able to overcome challenges that cannot be solved alone and unlock growth opportunities for individual freight operators.

His speech, which recognised commercial challenges facing the rail freight sector, drew the audience’s attention to some key benefits from recent RSSB freight research:

• Enhanced efficiency and competitiveness: Research provides the insights and data necessary for strategic decision making, process optimisation, and maintaining a competitive edge. Projects including the Heavy Axle Weight Interaction Model and the Axle Fault Detection Initiative are already delivering significant operational improvements and cost savings.
• Sustainability and decarbonisation: Shifting more goods from road to rail supports national decarbonisation efforts. Initiatives such as improving freight train operational efficiency and redefining freight gauges contribute to reducing emissions and enhancing the sustainability footprint of rail freight.
• Market expansion: Research helps identify new opportunities and solutions to expand rail freight markets. Historical examples and recent projects demonstrate how targeted research can unlock new freight flows and improve service offerings.

Closing his speech, Phillips issued a call to arms, urging the freight sector to contribute co-funding to the research programme:

'We need your input, your collaboration, your commitment, and your funding for our future rail freight research programme.'

'Co-funding will enable extension of the research programme's reach, accelerating progress towards the 75% growth target and ensuring the rail freight sector remains competitive, efficient, and sustainable.'