ORR strengthens Network Rail's accountability
10 June 2005
ORR/24/05
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has today modified Network Rail's network licence to ensure that Network Rail is accountable for the new responsibilities placed upon it.
The new responsibilities concern whole industry performance, industry planning, and route utilisation strategies (RUSs). ORR consulted in March and again in April this year on proposed modifications to Network Rail's network licence and on proposed guidelines which Network Rail should follow in developing RUSs.
Following consideration of responses to those consultations, and consent to the modifications by Network Rail, ORR has today modified Network Rail's network licence and published guidelines on RUSs.
Chris Bolt, ORR Chairman said:
"It is now for Network Rail to demonstrate rail industry leadership in its new responsibilities, to facilitate delivery of the significant improvements in performance and efficiency which users and taxpayers expect."
Notes for editors:
- Network Rail's network licence.
- ORR's guidelines on RUSs
- ORR's April 2005 consultation document, Notice of proposed modifications to Network Rail's network licence: Industry performance and planning and route utilisation strategies .
- ORR's March 2005 consultation document, Implementing the Future of Rail: Proposed modifications to Network Rail's network licence. Press notice.
- The Government's White Paper.
- The White Paper led to the Railways Act 2005.
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