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Glossary

Browse the A-Z below for some rail-specific terms that are used in this website, together with their meanings.
 

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F

Failure to use

A provision of part J of the Network code which deals with a TOC’s failure to use Quantum firm rights (see below).  A failure to use occurs if a TOC fails to secure one or more Train slots in respect of its Quantum firm rights or a TOC fails to use a train slot included in the working timetable (see below) and which relates to a Quantum firm right.

Failure to use notices

A notice issued by ORR if it considers that there is a Failure to use by a TOC.  The notice details certain rights which the TOC is required to surrender in relation to its Failure to use.

FOC on (T-F)OC

Where a delayed freight train service delays another passenger train or freight train operator.

FOC on FOC/TOC delay

Delay caused by a train operated by a freight operator to a train operated by another freight operator/passenger train operator.

FOCs

Freight train operating companies.

Freight measure

Incidents which cause delays to trains produce delay minutes. Network Rail delay minutes represent the total number of minutes delay to passenger and freight trains, where the cause of delay is attributed to Network Rail.
The ORR is keen to publish a freight measure for the period 1 April 2014 - 31 March 2019 (CP5) that is targeted at the issues which concern freight customers the most.

Freight recovery board

The freight recovery board was set up in line with our enforcement order in January 2012, with the purpose of promoting improvements to freight service performance (reducing delays to freight services) and protecting the interests of freight customers. The remit of the freight recovery board was to agree reasonably practicable steps Network Rail should take to remedy the licence breach of condition 1 of their licence (network management) and review the delivery of those steps within the timescales set out in the order. ORR confirmed in October 2012 that Network Rail has met the terms of the January 2012 freight performance order.