Network Rail

Network Rail is the owner, operator and infrastructure manager of the main-line railway. It has to ensure efficient management of the assets over the short, medium and long-term. While managing the existing fabric of the network, and ensuring its safe use, its role is also to support and implement new initiatives and upgrades, overseeing investment committed to the development of the railways.

We ensure that Network Rail operates and plans the future use and development of the network and maintains and enhances its assets in such a way that meets the reasonable requirements of its customers and funders.

Network Rail allows the train operating companies access to the network.

Structure

Network Rail is a company limited by guarantee, and was established in March 2002. It is a private company with a board of directors, but does not have shareholders. It’s members are drawn from the rail industry and the public. It is accountable to its customers and funded through contracts  with train operating companies and received money from the government.

Network Rail operates under a licence issued by the Secretary of State for Transport which we administer and enforce. One of our regulatory requirements is ensuring Network Rail operates and plans the future use and development of the network. They must also maintain and enhance the railway to meet the requirements of its customers and funders.

Responsibilities

  • the safe operation of the network;
  • managing performance;
  • directing service recovery;
  • setting timetables;
  • allocating capacity;
  • leading industry planning;
  • maintaining, renewing and developing the network;
  • lineside maintenance including vegetation and fencing;
  • track quality;
  • environmental issues such as noise and vibration, pollution and graffiti;
  • railway structures such as bridges, station buildings, overhead lines, tunnels and signalling;
  • network maintenance, particularly engineering work and speed restrictions; and
  • property issues including changes to use of railway land.

Regulation of Network Rail

See Network Rail regulation

How do I make a complaint about Network Rail?

See making a complaint about Network Rail

Last updated: 21 January 2008

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