Reform will boost rail productivity, says NTC

Further reform was essential to ensure rail played its part in servicing the growing land freight task safely and sustainably, according to NTC chief executive Nick Dimopoulos said.

"Freight customers want rail options which better meets their needs,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

"While the review focused on freight rail productivity, it found that we can improve national policies and planning so all transport modes work smarter together and compete on their own merits.

"A focus on productivity reform will deliver a growing rail freight system, with better track speeds, quicker transit times, higher axle weights, improved service and reliability.

“The end result will be more competitive exports and lower cost products on supermarket shelves.”

Key recommendations included:

• clear national objectives and policies to plan and develop the correct infrastructure;

• certainty and transparency of government subsidies to rail;

• explore options for more nationally consistent rail pricing and access regulation;

• open access regulation for key strategically located rail terminals;

• pricing reform so truck charges do not unfairly disadvantage rail;

• industry-led coordination of freight movements along the supply chain; and

• better performance measures for rail.

Mr Dimopoulos said the recommendations were consistent with the findings of the intermodal, grain, coal, livestock and meat supply chain reviews completed earlier this year and the review was the result of broad consultation with the rail industry, their customers, unions and governments.