Network Rail has announced that their key workers enable 140,000 tonnes of freight to be transported by train every week across the North East.

A reduced passenger timetable was introduced last month so that a reliable service would remain in operation while allowing key freight trains to run to meet demand.

Over 140,000 tonnes of freight per week is transported across the North East, which includes:

• Nearly 70,000 tonnes of biomass to keep power stations running.
• Food for supermarkets and vital medical supplies.
• Around 6000 tonnes of petroleum fuel, to make sure petrol is available at the pumps.

Six thousand tonnes of Alumina, the raw material used to make aluminium, is transported from the North East to Scotland to be processed.

Ten services a week run on the East Coast Main Line to transport letters and parcels between Newcastle and London.

The North East also provides supplies by train for the steel industry across the UK.

Waste transporting trains are used to safely move household waste away from urban areas across the North East.

What did the officials say?

Kevin Newman, Senior Route Freight Manager for Network Rail, said:

“The railway plays a crucial part in keeping Britain running, particularly in these challenging times. Our teams are working hard to keep lines open for key workers, enabling vital freight services to run to keep shelves stocked and deliver vital medical equipment and to keep power stations going.

“We’ve been able to meet the demand thanks to the dedication of our key workers at Network Rail who have continued to keep services moving, and with the help of passengers who have followed government advice to only travel when it is essential.

“We are continuing to work closely with the government and transport partners to keep the railways open and keep Britain moving.”

Where Next?

RailAdvent Plus
   Get image downloads, Prints and Streaming Video
News Homepage
   For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
   Framed Prints, DVD’s / Blu-Ray’s and more
LocoStop Community
   Come and share your railway pictures
Mainline Steam Info
   Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
Network Rail
   Visit their website