Putting rail freight at the centre of the future economy

From decarbonisation and hydrogen to planning policy and digital innovation, RFG’s new Policy Manager outlines how she will champion rail freight as a critical driver of sustainable growth.

As the new Policy Manager at Rail Freight Group, I am eager to position rail freight as an essential driver of the UK economy. With an MSc in Public Policy from University College London (UCL) and an undergraduate degree in Law from the University of Pittsburgh, I plan to use my law and policy background to promote decarbonisation, growth, and innovation in the sector.

Among the many exciting fronts in the industry, carbon capture has been a particular area of interest for me. Since February, I have been engaging with stakeholders and experts, researching, and providing information and consultation responses on carbon capture and rail’s potential role in the process. I am looking forward to making carbon capture information and action available to our members and hearing their perspectives.

Alongside carbon capture decarbonisation efforts, I’ve also been familiarising myself with other decarbonisation efforts, such as moving hydrogen by rail. Following trials conducted by Network Rail, Freightliner (see the Heavy Haul Rail article for details) and GeoPura that demonstrated its feasibility, there is undoubtedly a role for rail freight in developing and delivering hydrogen transport services.

Supporting new technology

I have had the opportunity to attend events such as the Hydroshunter launch in Kidderminster, where the first hydrogen-powered shunting locomotive was in action. I have also discussed the future of hydrogen transport with the Hydrogen Energy Association (HEA), whose team has been very helpful in contextualising the potential of hydrogen fuel and where rail freight fits into this strategy. Later this year, I am planning to put together a hydrogen event that discusses hydrogen as a clean fuel alternative and the opportunity for rail freight to transport hydrogen.

I have also been involved in areas of interest, including local and national planning policy, supporting the inclusion of rail freight in the draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). I wrote a consultation response in February supporting changes in the upcoming NPPF, including supporting freight and logistics advancement through government strategies such as the Industrial Strategy, the prioritisation of accessible transport links, and terminal protection during the planning process.

RFG’s newly held Construction Subforum focuses on getting member feedback and devising strategies to ensure that construction terminals, which are often impacted by housing and business developments, can grow and thrive. I will continue to familiarise myself with the national and local planning systems to ensure that key rail freight sites are protected and can operate efficiently.

Raising rail freight’s profile

RFG’s Parliamentary Reception on 25 March 2026, and hosted by MP Rachel Taylor, gave us the platform to present our report Freight Forward, which was made possible by the wonderful team at Arup, with whom I worked closely. Collating information for this report introduced me to key players in rail freight, as well as other sectors that use rail freight for infrastructure projects, delivery of goods, and much more. Engaging with MPs and Lords regarding rail freight was a great opportunity to show them just how essential, adaptable, and innovative it can be. Providing this information will allow the government to keep rail freight in mind when making policy decisions and help the industry grow.

Looking towards innovation, I am eager to learn more about the technology that makes rail freight operations more streamlined. Robotics utilisation in rolling stock maintenance, for instance, creates a significant opportunity to make maintenance more efficient and more accurate. DB Cargo has already begun to use robots for rolling stock maintenance, with the adoption of a robot called Spot, which has been used at Mainz freight station in Germany since 2023. As I continue to immerse myself in exciting new technology fronts, RFG’s Digital, Innovation, and Technology Forum will be essential for RFG to provide new technology and innovation updates, while also gathering members’ views about how the sector can continue to support important technological advancements.

As policies, governments, and society change, I am committed to keeping rail freight on the map. I look forward to working with members and other relevant stakeholders on this.

By Mathis Edwards, Policy Manager, RFG
mathis@rfg.org.uk