National structure ‘will deliver McNulty rail freight savings early’ says DB Schenker Rail Chief

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Rail freight operators are united in delivering early savings from the McNulty Value for Money Study if a national network is retained, Alain Thauvette, Chief Executive of DB Schenker Rail (UK) Ltd, said at the 19th Annual Rail Freight Group conference held today, 16 June 2011, in London.

Mr Thauvette said: “The rail freight industry will deliver its part in the savings proposed by the McNulty Value for Money study by making better use of the existing rail network and by sharing techniques and methods to improve rail industry efficiency.

“We do this based upon our established experience in operational efficiency, customer focused service delivery and innovation to enter new markets, such as biomass.

“Following publication of the McNulty study, as rail freight operators we have already asked our teams to identify with Network Rail where joint cost savings can be identified and implemented now. We want that to happen and collectively as rail freight operators we will make it happen.”

Mr Thauvette continued: “But we do this on the understanding that the entire rail industry buys into the national changes needed to deliver long term rail freight growth.

“The McNulty study has stated that enabling rail freight to expand and thrive is the responsibility of the whole rail industry, not just the freight operators. For rail freight to succeed it has to compete with road, and every structural complication for rail freight weakens its competitive position.

“We need a national track access contract with a national infrastructure network that is consistent in its delivery of operations, timetabling and capacity. This will enable rail freight growth and the associated reduction in carbon emissions to occur.

“It will also help deliver part of the savings that the McNulty study and the Government want.”

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