Open access operators for rail services
A Westminster Hall debate on 'Open access operators for rail services' is scheduled for Thursday 6 February 2025, from 1.30pm to 3.00pm. The debate will be led by Martin Vickers MP.

This paper explains how the railways have been regulated since privatisation, including the present role and responsibilities of the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), and proposals for the future reform of rail regulation.
Rail regulation (337 KB , PDF)
The ORR’s main job is to ensure that the rail network performs smoothly and, where it does not, to remedy any problems and hold those responsible to account. It is responsible for safety regulation, the performance of, access to and investment in the network.
One of ORR’s key roles is regulating Network Rail, the infrastructure owner and operator. While the regulator does not have a role in regulating the train and freight operating companies, its decisions regarding Network Rail have a direct effect on train services. The regulator can fine Network Rail for breaches to its network licence, which it has done on a number of occasions since 2002.
ORR is also one of the key players in the five-yearly periodic review process during which it sets Network Rail’s outputs and funding for the following review period (the next one will run from 2019 to 2024 and begin later this year).
Plans for reform of ORR were put forward after the McNulty rail value for money study was published back in 2011 but little happened. There is now renewed impetus following the Bowe and Shaw reports on the future of the rail industry. The Secretary of State and the ORR have committed to reforming the role of the regulator in the future, focusing on customers, and improving cohesion and effectiveness.
ORR also has a role in monitoring the performance of Highways England – that is not discussed in this paper.
Briefings on other rail issues are available on the Railways Topical Page of the Parliament website.
Rail regulation (337 KB , PDF)
A Westminster Hall debate on 'Open access operators for rail services' is scheduled for Thursday 6 February 2025, from 1.30pm to 3.00pm. The debate will be led by Martin Vickers MP.
The government is bringing most passenger train operators under public ownership. Nationalisation will start in 2025 and is expected to finish in 2027.
A Westminster Hall debate on railway services in the South West will be held on Tuesday 14 January 2025 at 9:30am. The subject for this debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee and the debate will be opened by Martin Wrigley MP (Liberal Democrat, Newton Abbot).