Rail Regulator publishes new model track access contract a firm foundation for refranchising and improved rail performance
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25 June 2003
The Rail Regulator's new model track access contract should provide a firm foundation for the refranchising process and ultimately lead to improved performance by Britain's railways. That was the message today from the Rail Regulator, Tom Winsor, when he published a new model track access contract to cover the relationship between passenger train operators and Network Rail. The new template contract, published in draft last December, has been refined in the light of widespread consultation with the Strategic Rail Authority, the Health and Safety Executive, the train operators and Network Rail. The contract is published alongside a document setting out the Regulator's criteria and procedures for the scrutiny and approval of access applications. Mr Winsor said: "I am confident that the contract I am publishing today meets the tests we originally set: to establish a contract that was stronger, simpler and streamlined, setting out as clearly as possible the obligations of the parties to each other, and what should happen when things go wrong. "That confidence is a result of the very thorough process of consultation undertaken by ORR staff with the very welcome engagement of many people across the railway industry. I am sure train operators and Network Rail will, over time, propose further improvements and refinements. There is always scope to improve. But as a model template I believe this contract is a material improvement on its predecessor, and is a vital element in building better-performing relationships in our contractually-based railway. "In publishing this contract I am laying a secure foundation for the SRA's refranchising programme and for securing improved rail performance. The contract provides a basis for the players in the rail industry to work together in a truly co-operative joint venture, recognising the intensity and extent of the interdependence of train operators and the network provider, with a focus, not on blame and buck-passing, but on the sound and competent delivery of a quality service to rail passengers." Notes to editors:1. The document : Model clauses : the template track access contract - Regulator's final conclusions is also available from the ORR Librarian, Sue MacSwan, 1 Waterhouse Square, 138-142 Holborn, London EC1N 2TQ, tel: 020 7282 2001, fax: 020 7282 2045.
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Criteria and procedures for the approval of passenger track access contracts: Third edition (PDF version)
