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SUSTRAIL
This project combined freight vehicle and track components in a holistic approach aimed at achieving a higher reliability and increased performance of the rail freight system.
Project leader
Dr Francis Franklin
Dates
June 2011 to May 2015
Project staff
Professor Mark Robinson
Sponsors
Commission of the European Communities
Partners
Consorzio TRAIN
Network Rail
UIC
UNIFE
Description
The purpose of the SUSTRAIL project is to contribute to the rail freight system to allow it to regain position and market.
Its proposed solution combines improvement in both freight vehicle and track components in a holistic approach.
It aimed to achieve a higher reliability and increased performance of the rail freight system as a whole. It also aimed to achieve profitability for all the stakeholders.
The SUSTRAIL integrated approach based itself on innovations in rolling stock and freight vehicles. These had a targeted increase in speed and axle-load. They combined with innovations in the track components for higher reliability and reduced maintenance.
These benefit freight and passenger users. The project also considered mixed routes.
The project quantified benefits through the development of an appropriate business case. It estimated cost savings on a life cycle basis.
The project recommends a holistic approach to vehicle and track sustainability. This is because improvements in track design and materials alone are not enough as demands on the rail system increase.