The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has responded to the Government's announcement of changes to the structure of the rail network, but they strike a note of caution.
Chris MacRae, FTA's Head of Rail Freight Policy, said: "A year ago FTA submitted its views on rail reform to the Shaw Review and produced a document on the institutional needs of rail freight which stressed the need for freight to have protections as a GB-wide activity. Most freight flows across a Network Rail Route boundary so it is important that it is not treated second class in any rail reform that more closely aligns passenger franchises with infrastructure delivery."
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has said he will create a joined-up team approach with train operators where the changes bring closer integration of passenger train franchises and infrastructure delivery and consider the possibility for future joint ventures to deliver these.
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