With the ‘Rail Freight, The Future is Ours’ initiative, the rail freight industry joins hands to transport 50% more freight on the Dutch railway network within ten years, up from 40 million to 61 million tonnes. It is the only way in which the European sustainability objectives can be met.

The initiative of Rail Freight, The Future is Ours followed after the state secretary sent a letter to the Lower House of Parliament in June 2018, in which she set the industry a clear task: ‘Improve the image of rail freight transport and create broader support in society and among businesses.’

One voice from the sector

With the Rail Freight, The Future is our initiative, the rail freight industry speaks with one voice, and ambassadors from all over the sector roll up their sleeves to achieve sustainable, competitive, and reliable freight transport by rail.

According to Wim van de Camp, Year of Rail ambassador, the industry aims at transporting 50% more freight on the Dutch railway network within ten years in order to meet the European sustainability objectives. This would mean an increase from 40 million to 61 million tonnes.

The initiative was partly brought about due to the commitment of the Communication Cluster of the Rail Freight Platform. In the cluster, various organizations and market parties from the industry have contributed, especially ProRail, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, evofenedex, and Rail Cargo Information Netherlands.