Article: Rail puts freight claim to the test

[ozbob]

From Adelaide Now click here!

Rail puts freight claim to the test

Rail puts freight claim to the test

    Investigations Editor Bryan Littely
    May 15, 2012 11:00PM

THE Australian Railway Association says claims by the SA Road Transport Association in its fight against registration increases are untrue.

Economists for the ARA says the registration rises for B-double trucks should have no impact on freight costs or increase prices for basic commodities such as bread, fruit and vegetables and clothing because rail freight can take the load.

ARA chief executive Bryan Nye said the registration fee rise for B-doubles was less than a 1 per cent, but the SARTA has claimed it is up to 30 per cent. Both organisations advocate limiting the number of freight trucks on the roads for safety.

"Before you race to put more semis on the road to meet our freight needs, why not put it on rail," Mr Nye said.

Economist Ash Salardini said freight costs for products were about 5 per cent of overall costs and increases in registrations would equate to only a 0.1 per cent increase on items.

[Jonno]

Is it just me or is the ARA on a raise significant noise in transport industry campaign.  If so "Go for it and Well Done".

[ozbob]

Is it just me or is the ARA on a raise significant noise in transport industry campaign.  If so "Go for it and Well Done".

Yes, I think they are getting a bit tired of being nice guys and getting shafted ...  rail needs voices ...

Recent twitter feed attests to that ..

[twitacc]@AustRail[/twitacc]