In 2023, the volume of goods transported by railway in the UK stood at 15.27 Billion Tonne Kilometers. From 2024, this metric is forecasted to decline annually: 15.0 in 2024, 14.73 in 2025, 14.45 in 2026, 14.19 in 2027, and 13.93 in 2028, reflecting a steady decline. The year-on-year variation shows an average decrease of approximately 1.8% from 2023 to 2026 and an average CAGR of -2.2% over the five years from 2024 to 2028. The two-year trends show a notable downward trajectory of roughly 1.73% between 2024 and 2026.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of economic policies on railway freight, technological advancements in logistics, and the rail sector’s response to sustainability pressures. Additionally, examining shifts in the types of goods transported could provide deeper insights into this declining trend.
