ATOC proposals would cut out DfT involvement in intercity rail contracts

The Association of Train Operating Companies has called for a debate on the future of intercity train operating contracts. It has suggested that they could be let as concessions with bundles of track access rights awarded by the Office of Rail Regulation. This would replace the current franchising regime run by the Department for Transport.

The change would see intercity train paths auctioned with the proceeds going to the DfT. Operators would then run services and develop infrastructure at...

+51% more