Mainline network

Operation of rail services is split between operation of the infrastructure (track, signalling etc) and operation of passenger and freight train services.

Network Rail is the owner and operator of the national rail infrastructure. It must ensure safe and effective management and development of that infrastructure.

As a private sector company and monopoly owner and operator of a national asset of considerable public importance, Network Rail is accountable to the public interest through regulation. It operates under a licence enforced by ORR which contains conditions with which it must comply.

More information about Network Rail responsibilities can be found in the Network Rail regulation section.

Last updated: March 2013.

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