Network Rail has rethink on rail cost allocation

Network Rail’s plan to change how its fixed costs were allocated to train operators angered the Urban Transport Group and freight operators, prompting a partial rethink. Andrew Forster reports

25 May 2018

Note: Crossrail costs reflect only Anglia operations and will increase when services commence on the Great Western Main Line, with Great Western Railway costs reducing

Network Rail has rethought the way it will allocate fixed costs to train operators in the next control period (CP6 2019/20-2023/24) after draft proposals generated a backlash from funders of regional rail services and the rail freight sector.

Draft proposals, published for consultation last September, would have seen the costs apportioned to Northern Rail jump 50 per cent, from £263m to £393m a year, and the costs of Merseyrail jump 64 per cent, from £32m to £52m....