R A I LT R AC K - The Railways Archive

Table G Freight volume, income and costs
ITEM 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 % CHG 98/97
Volume (mgtkm) 31630 31717 32621 36556 12.1
Track access income (£M) 191 159 159 164 3.1
Freight income (£M) 151 148 147 148 0.7
Unit income (£M/000gtkm) 6.04 5.05 4.93 4.54 -7.9
Unit costs (£M/000gtkm) 4.77 4.67 4.49 4.06 -9.7
4. Service improvements – reduction in
transit times
Two years ago, nearly 90% of the trains using our network
were restricted to 60mph,often because of the rolling stock.
We set ourselves the target of providing up to 20 new paths
at 75mph or greater a year. Since then,our customers have
introduced 25 new trains at such higher speeds and we have
identified a further 22 additional return paths.
5. Development of freight terminals
As promised, we have provided more information on how
to develop terminals and to protect sites.We have acquired
additional sites and introduced and updated regularly the
Freight Connections Guidewith the latest edition including
details of potential sites provided by local authorities.
6. Piggyback project
With the launch of services for Parcelforce (EWS) and
Tankfreight (Freightliner),piggyback traffic is now in
operation.As described, we have now started to implement
a gauge enhancement programme for the widespread
introduction of more higher-gauge traffic. Further
development is dependent on grant funding.
7. Improved project management
We have met our commitments to streamline our processes
for developing rail freight-related projects.We have simplified
our project management requirements,opened up the
market to new contractors and methods and improved
accountability for delivery. Detailed market research has
indicated that we have made a marked improvement in our
ability to produce cost estimates more quickly and to
complete projects to time and budget, but we are aware
that this was from a low base and we still have room for
improvement.
Our project portfolio includes 346 projects for delivery over
the next two years,of which 51 have been generated in the
last year, compared to our target of 20.
8. Open access
We have had 30 enquiries from organisations who are
considering entering various aspects of rail freight operations
and we are continuing to work with several parties.We will
continue to minimise the commercial,technical and
operational barriers for new entrants.
9. Systems development
Most of our work is focused on the Year 2000 issue.
Nevertheless, we have been able to improve our systems
and operations for planning access to the network to give
our customers more flexibility and shorter lead times. We
have also introduced new invoicing systems and are working
with EWS on its introduction of its new Train Control
System to support the development of wagon-load traffic.
We are now starting detailed work on improved,real-time
tracking systems to monitor the location and condition of
consignments using satellite tracking systems.
10. Code of practice
After discussion with a wide range of parties, we introduced
a Code of Practice in September 1997.A review with the
key industry parties a year later did not identify any
necessary changes.
We have met our
commitments to
streamline our
processes for
developing rail
freight-related
projects
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