Environmental Benefits from the Shift from Road to Rail
GB Railfreight (GBRf) is working hard to optimize its operations and utilize rail to transport essential equipment for Rail Head Treatment Trains (RHTTs). Transporting equipment by rail is both an efficient and environmentally sustainable operation. GBRf has recently successfully transported 11 Water Jetter Modules from Peterborough to Wigan and the other 10 Weed Spray Modules in the opposite direction. It has successfully supported seasonal track treatment programs for Network Rail and reduced road transport by the equivalent of 21 lorry trips and by more than 3648 miles. One of the many benefits of rail transport is that it can quickly and easily provide support to transport the requested equipment and eliminate the need for thousands of miles of road transport. (Alex Kirk, Commercial Director of GB Railfreight)
The Growing Dominance of GB Railfreight
Recent statistics from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) show that GB Railfreight has surpassed all other rail freight operators in Great Britain and has completed the most freight transport by both rail and road. GBRf has contributed to an estimated £2.5 billion annual benefit to the UK economy of rail freight services. From its 2026 Sustainability Report, it is clear that the company has committed to continuous improvement and sustainable operations.
In the near future, GB Railfreight plans to roll out new bi-mode electro-diesel Class 99 locomotives that they are developing with Stadler and Beacon Rail. The first of the 30 locomotives is expected to begin operation later this year. The locomotives will change the UK rail freight market by allowing long distance, heavy freight to be transported on both electrified and non-electrified lines, eliminating the need to change locomotives and reducing emissions.
For more of the latest rail news click here. Want to keep update with the latest at RT give us a like on Facebook here.
