Rail rates to come down
Page 10
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Railfreight is set to increase its long-term competitiveness with road, following moves by the rail regulator which should lead to lower track charges.
In last week's long-awaited announcement on freight track charges, the rail regulator said Railtrack—the authority which owns and run the track—should reduce its costs by 2% each year until 2001. It should give freight train operators the chance to drive a harder bargain with Rai1track.
Those expected to benefit are train operators competing most fiercely with road—those running swapbody services as well as carrying small flows.
The Rail Freight Group, which represents rail users, welcomes the regulator's policy statement: "Nothing will happen overnight., but there will be pressure to reduce track charges." (See page 12.)