Market regulation

We are responsible for licensing operators of railway assets. Operators of trains, stations, light maintenance depots and networks must hold a licence, or be exempted from doing so.

If you are a prospective train operator or are new to the rail industry, we have published a document which summarises the different regulatory requirements called Starting mainline rail operations: a guide to the regulatory framework.

If you want to know more about what we do under rail industry legislation, please see our statutory duties and functions.

Agreements and contracts

This section explains the regime for access to railway facilities.

Operator licensing

This section explains the licensing regime for operators of railway assets.

Competition issues

This section explains our competition law powers.

Sustainable development

This section explains our policy for delivering our sustainable development and environmental duties.

Investments

This section explains our role in promoting investment in the enhancement of the railways.

Closures

This section sets out our role in the process to allow the closure of passenger services, networks and stations.