Former passenger trains are being converted to take goods directly into city centre stations – where parcels can be handed over to bicycle or van couriers for final delivery – under a partnership between Network Rail and distribution specialist Orion.
Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT. We are committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career
The first such service is due to start running later this year between the Midlands and Scotland and the partners recently used Euston Station in London as a test site to demonstrate the concept.
“While parcel trains are by no means a novel concept, more of us buying things online and efforts to get polluting vehicles off the roads is revitalising rail as a cost effective and fast way to get goods to consumers and businesses quickly and efficiently,” explained Network Rail customer relationship executive Daniel Fredriksson.
The idea is that the trains would be able to travel up to 100mph – twice the average speed of road traffic – while offering a more sustainable alternative to air and road haulage and accessing city centres directly, unlike larger scale rail freight.
“Using converted, electrically powered passenger trains, we are able to deliver goods into terminal and other principal railway stations where electric road vehicles complete the final mile transportation into city centres,” said Orion chief executive officer Karl Watts.
“The shift from road to rail transportation delivers economic, environmental and social benefits,” he added. Each eight car train removes 24 diesel powered vans from our roads thereby reducing congestion, lowering carbon emissions and improving inner city air quality.”
More routes could be added next year depending on customer need and available train paths. To view a video showing one of the converted trains, click here.
(Photograph: Network Rail)
#StepForward
Propose a colleague who successfully becomes a CIHT member and you’ll be automatically be entered into our free monthly prize draw where one lucky winner will receive a £50 John Lewis Gift Card.
Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT. We are committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career
{{item.AuthorName}} {{item.AuthorName}} says on {{item.DateFormattedString}}: