Rail Freight Privatization to Revolutionize UK Transport Industry
The Rail Freight Group supports the privatization of British Rail for freight transportation. Private companies prefer rail over road for freight, but British Rail's current management makes it less competitive. Private operators may soon negotiate with Railtrack to run freight trains commercially. Railtrack will charge operators market rates, but operators can appeal to the Department of Transport for grants if charges are too high. The government aims for freight revenues to cover rail network costs.