Agreements and contracts

We regulate access to track, stations and light maintenance depots.

This section contains guidance, application forms, current agreements contracts and exemptions relating to track, station and depot access.

Track access and the network code

Anyone seeking access to the rail network in order to operate trains needs to enter into a contract with the relevant facility owner. If you are a prospective train operator or are new to the rail industry, we have published a document  called Starting mainline rail operations: a guide to the regulatory framework which summarises the different regulatory requirements.

Train operators and others may only enter into contracts with another party with our direction.

Station access

Network Rail owns the freehold to the vast majority of the approximately 2500 railway stations in Great Britain. Most are leased to and operated by train operating companies.

Train operators who want to use a station must enter into an access contract with the station facility owner. If the contracts are not approved by us, they are invalid.`

Depot access

The rail network has a number of privately owned facilities, accessible by rail, including light maintance depots, freight depots, goods terminals and facilities at ports and harbours. Anyone seeking access to these need to enter into a contract with the facility owner, subject to approval by us.

Access exemptions

Under certain conditions, a facility owner of a railway asset, such as a station, can apply to be exempt from certain access provisions.

To seek further information on exemptions, please contact us. You’ll be able to contact specific teams.

Last updated: 27 November 2008