RAIL FREIGHT BOOM DEFIES TRENDS - 7th December 2001
Despite weaker economic forecasts, freight
traffic over the Australian Rail Track
Corporation managed segment of the interstate rail network continues to
boom. For the second consecutive month rail freight volumes have reached record
levels.
During October 2.56 billion gross tonne kilometres (GTK) were carried over
the ARTC network and in November this rose again to
over 2.57 billion GTK. This represents an
increase in GTK of 18 % and 9.1 % respectively over the comparative
months last year.
ARTC Managing Director, David Marchant said, "These results are extraordinary
in anyone's language. They defy underlying trends in the global
economy and outstrip growth figures for the domestic economy. Obviously business
and industry are beginning to recognise the superior benefits and cost
effectiveness of the modern rail industry." "Rail is clearly improving
its market share of the nation's freight task, which will deliver significant
economic and community benefits through improved transport links and safer
roads."
ARTC and Commonwealth Government investment over the last three years has been directed at improving transit times and increasing the reliability and capacity of the ARTC network. These works have included:
· Extended passing loops to allow longer trains to run - 1.8 kilometres long between Adelaide and Perth and 1.5 kilometres long between Albury, Melbourne and Adelaide,
· Track upgrading across the ARTC network to allow for heavier and faster trains, · Upgraded signalling and communications to improve on-time running and network reliability.
David Marchant said, "Improved reliability, reduced transit times and increased capacity over the ARTC network provide train operators with the ability to deliver more efficient and cost effective rail freight services to their clients."
"These record volumes give some credence to
suggestions that Australia is managing the
global economic downturn quite well. Transport movements, and especially
rail movements, are a good barometer of economic activity. While we
will be doing our utmost to maintain this current momentum we expect business
to slow slightly during the New Year, but also expect that rail will
maintain its record market share on the East West corridor."
For Further Information Contact: David Marchant on 0419 733 201 www.artc.com.au
ARTC provides equitable access for train operators to its network on a non-discriminatory
basis. ARTC's aim is to ensure business and
industry are being provided with efficient
transport options for the future and that rail remains an essential
and sustainable element of the Nation's transport and logistics network
Over the last three years, an extensive program of infrastructure upgrades funded by ARTC and the Commonwealth Government combined with more effective management of train operations has resulted in increased reliability and capacity across the ARTC network.
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