Network Rail has proposed discounts on track access charges for train operators to stimulate new business on the railway network, especially in the freight sector.

The applicable charges will be fully waived for a period of six months as new traffic is being established.

A single freight train has the capacity to remove up to 76 lorries from the nation’s roads, and rail freight contributes to saving over one million tonnes of carbon annually.

Each train journey is a step closer to achieving Net Zero. Consequently, it’s no surprise that leaders in Westminster and Holyrood have established ambitious goals to enhance the sector.

Network Rail’s offer, which is available to all train operators and services meeting the qualifying criteria, is driven by the company’s dedication to fostering the expansion of rail freight.

The value of the offer is approximately £1,000 for each train journey (round trip), varying with the train’s length and load.

“The rail freight sector plays a crucial role in keeping the country moving, providing a faster, greener and more efficient way of transporting goods. The Government’s policy is to promote and grow the use of freight services across the country and make moving goods by rail the obvious choice for businesses, and this initiative will do just that.”

Rail Minister Lord Hendy

“Many businesses are looking to move more freight by rail, but it can be a big step to start new services. This new scheme provides welcome support for the first six months of operation, helping customers and operators to open up new routes.”

Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General, Rail Freight Group,

More than 600 freight trains run in Britain every day, supporting the construction industry, car manufacturing, food, supermarkets, timber and more.

2024 has already been a successful year for freight services, which have already increased in some areas of the country.

With the ETCS also being installed and trailed on Class 66 locomotives, the mainstay locomotive on freight services, the national rail network is taking strides to increase and speed up the movement of freight across the UKs railways in the coming years.