Investments in the network
If rail services are to develop to better meet the needs of passengers and freight users, and the growth in demand, it is essential that there is an effective framework for delivering infrastructure investments such as increasing track capacity or building new stations. The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) plays a central role in ensuring that the relevant parts of the regulatory and contractual framework are fit for purpose – to provide clear and effective processes for agreeing investment schemes and then ensuring that they are delivered on time and to budget.
Some schemes will be proposed by train operators, other rail users (in particular users of freight services) or funders of rail services. Others will be identified by Network Rail in its new role of coordinating the development of Route Utilisation Strategies for the railway network. Network Rail also generally takes the lead in promoting, planning, facilitating and, in most cases, delivering and financing schemes. It is therefore a key player in ensuring that improvements are delivered in an efficient and timely manner.
On 7 October 2005, following an earlier consultation, we published our policy conclusions, which set out a framework aimed at facilitating the efficient provision of investment schemes not already funded at a periodic review. The framework seeks to clarify Network Rail’s role in enhancements and the terms on which it engages with its customers, rail users and funders in facilitating and delivering them.
