New Report Shows Rail Shift Could Save Economy $640 Million a Year

A new report has found moving more freight onto rail could save Australia’s economy $640 million a year, while improving road safety and reducing emissions.

The McKell Institute report, commissioned by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, says Australia’s freight task is expected to grow by 26% over the next three decades, with most of that increase currently set to fall on road transport.

Modelling from the report shows capturing 30% of future freight growth on rail could remove around 16,000 long-haul trucks from Australian roads, prevent 18 road deaths each year by 2050, and save 400 million litres of diesel annually.

The McKell Institute and the RTBU are calling for greater investment in rail infrastructure, saying moving heavy, long-distance freight onto rail would create a cheaper, cleaner and safer freight network while allowing road transport operators to focus on vital first- and last-mile logistics.