Network Rail has launched a consultation on how Great British Railways (GBR) will decide which passenger and freight services can use Britain’s rail network.
The proposed Access & Use Policy (AUP) is intended to bring decisions on passenger and freight access together under one framework. Network Rail said this would provide greater clarity and consistency over how capacity is used, with safety at the centre of the process.
The organisation said the approach could support additional passenger and freight services, reduce the burden on taxpayers and attract more investment to the rail sector. It is also intended to improve coordination with local transport schemes, including those led by devolved and mayoral authorities.
Industry consultation
Anit Chandarana, Network Rail’s group director of system operator, said the aim was to make “fair, transparent and consistent decisions about access to the railway” for passengers, freight customers and taxpayers.
“The existing access and charging framework is no longer fit for purpose. It has grown over 30 years through layers of legislation, regulation, contracts and codes, and too often encourages different parts of the railway to take decisions in isolation,” Chandarana said.
He added that the draft policy had already benefited from engagement across the industry, but that further views were needed before the approach was finalised.
The consultation follows an AUP discussion document published in December 2025. Network Rail said it had also engaged with government, regulators, freight and passenger operators, infrastructure managers, and devolved and regional transport bodies.
Responses are being invited through Network Rail’s consultation process.