Long distance train operator CrossCountry and InterCity Railfreight are teaming up to provide a key service transporting medical supplies across the country. As part of an initial trial, InterCity Railfreight, who have been moving parcel-sized freight using passenger trains since 2010, will be using non-public areas on some of CrossCountry’s train between Scotland, the Midlands and South West England to facilitate a more sustainable way of distributing supplies.
Sending time-critical consignments by rail will speed up the transportation of essential medical supplies, improving patient care and helping to reduce the burden on the NHS. The service will also reduce carbon emissions, with less road transportation required through city and town centres.
Jeff Screeton, Managing Director InterCity Railfreight, commented “We’re delighted to be working with CrossCountry to unlock the potential of this unique national network of high-speed rail services, from medical shipments to e-commerce. Using spare non-public spaces on trains for time-critical logistics will help improve patient care and support the NHS”.
CrossCountry’s Managing Director, Tom Joyner, said “We welcome this opportunity as part of our Building Back Better campaign for rail to play a greater, more innovative role in the nation’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Using this spare space on our High Speed Trains means we can offer a fast, direct service, to our Inter City Railfreight partners initially between Edinburgh, North East England, Birmingham and the South West ”.