GB Railfreight and Network Rail sign new deal to keep tracks clear and passengers moving

GB Railfreight (GBRf) has been awarded a new five-year deal to run Network Rail’s fleet of autumn and winter treatment trains, keeping tracks clear and passengers and freight on time.

Until at least 2030, GBRf will take on leaf-blasting, snow and ice treatment trains and weed spraying in many locations across the country. In addition to retaining seasonal services at Broxbourne, Stowmarket & Tonbridge, from this August, GBRf will be running expanded operations from Peterborough and Kings Norton and operating new services from Inverness, St Blazey and Toton.

GBRf will run Network Rail’s Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) in the north of the country. MPVs water jet leaf mulch from the railhead and apply adhesion modifier (a mix of sand, metal particles and water) in autumn, apply anti-ice fluid in winter and some herbicide weed spray services.

John Smith OBE, Chief Executive of GB Railfreight said: “Keeping the railway clear in autumn is an essential part of a successful rail network – ensuring passengers and goods arrive at their destinations on time. This award is a huge vote of confidence in GB Railfreight,  it is testament to the hard work, professionalism and commitment of our staff and the exceptional standards we have set in recent years.”

Adam Southern, Supply Chain Delivery Director – Network Rail said: “Running trains reliably and safely in autumn and winter is a tough challenge and we rely heavily on specialist operators and equipment. Leaves on the line get crushed under train wheels and leave a material like black-ice on tracks, which can cause signals to fail and trains to slide. Ice on live rails can cause trains to stall and we all know the disruption that heavy snow can cause.”