Rail Industry Focus

21.06.16

How could Brexit affect the rail sector?

Sean Thomas, senior consultant at economics consultancy Oxera, looks at the impact Brexit could have on the rail sector. 

Brexit raises significant implications for the GB rail network and its operators. Here I consider two potential effects; the removal of EU legislation causing the separation of network ownership and questions over Scottish Independence which could arise following a Brexit vote. 

Legislation 

The removal of legislation from the EU could create possibilities for future policy changes. One area in which the EU has implemented legislation is ‘unbundling’; the separation of network ownership and operation from the use of the rail network. 

Until the mid-1990s, operations and management of tracks, trains and rolling stock were integrated under British Rail. Under current EU rules, this type of structure would not be possible. In particular, it would be necessary to retain functional and financial separation between tracks and trains. Brexit however would offer the option for more varied models for the British rail industry.  

A reversion to the integrated British Rail model would require a concerted political effort too. Moreover, the evidence suggests that the changes to the industry model have resulted in benefits. However, this is not the only option for integrated rail models in GB. 

Following the expiry of the current rail franchise agreement, the Welsh Government is set to take control of the Wales and the Borders franchise, and Welsh Assembly Members have explored options for the future of the franchise, including public sector delivery of services. This would become easier under Brexit, if it were deemed preferable, while any reintegration of infrastructure and operations would also be permissible with changes in UK legislation. 

Scottish Independence? 

Further to this, Scottish ministers have raised the prospect of a second Independence vote following Brexit. Clearly this cannot be taken as read, but such a scenario would cause significant implications for operation, regulation and management of the rail network and train operators, particularly for the 8 million cross-border journeys between England and Scotland each year. 

The main issue that may arise with Scottish Independence relates to cross-border train operations. Scotland’s main internal rail franchise, the ScotRail franchise, is let and managed by Transport Scotland, however the network itself, which is one of eight strategic routes, is managed by Network Rail. It is unclear how Network Rail would operate under Scottish Independence. However, there is a possibility of central functions needing to be relocated to a Scottish subsidiary, leading to increased cost. 

In addition to this complication, cross-border franchises would in effect be running international services, which could require border controls. Any restrictions in cross-border trade will affect freight traffic and hence revenues for freight operators. 

An uncertain future

One thing is certain, a ‘leave’ vote will have wide-ranging implications for many parts of the transport sector, and in particular a number of issues are expected to come to light for the GB rail sector. 

With the ramifications of Brexit still to unfold, coupled with the potential for Scottish independence, there is great uncertainty sweeping the sector, and the scale of the impact isn’t expected to become clear until after 23 June.

Comments

Hugh   21/06/2016 at 11:32

"Great uncertainty sweeping the sector"? Where? All the key legislation determining all the things stated above is UK legislation. OK if we were no longer bound by EU directives, we might be able to change that legislation to have other structures, but, as we see in other EU countries, structures are pretty flexible anyway and few, if any other EU countries have gone as far as UK in separating train operations from infrastructure ownership. As far as I'm aware, the general view is that "it'll make no difference to UK rail, at least in the short/medium term". Beyond that, no one knows it's all speculation.

Dave   21/06/2016 at 12:17

Not to mention the Dublin to Belfast services in Ireland

Mac   22/06/2016 at 15:05

What about the interoperability regulations and ERTMS?

Alistair Kewish   07/07/2016 at 09:11

Looking back over a time scale of some 30 years, I still contest that decision to allow different bodies to a) own the infrastructure.b) the rolling stock. Then charge track access charges to run virtually anything on the network, anywhere. In the background, closure by stealth continues, just as before the last world war, indicating that if a service is reduced or virtually non- existent, this is cunningly designed to prevent passengers from using it. I can quote numerous examples where this strategy is being implemented but lack of space forbids my doing so.

Add your comment

rail technology magazine tv

more videos >

latest rail news

View all News

rail industry focus

View all News

last word

Encouraging youngsters to be safe on the railway

Encouraging youngsters to be safe on the railway

This summer, Arriva Group's CrossCountry and the Scout Association joined to launch a new partnership to promote rail safety among young people. Chris Leech MBE, business community manager at the TOC, gives RTM an update on the innovative scheme. Recognising that young people are more likely to take a risk trespassing on railway tracks, C... more > more last word articles >

interviews

Andrew Haines, CE of Network Rail, tells BBC News his organisation could issue future rail franchises

24/06/2019Andrew Haines, CE of Network Rail, tells BBC News his organisation could issue future rail franchises

Andrew Haines, the Chief Executive of Network Rail, has told the Today programme on Radio ... more >

'the sleepers' daily blog

On the right track, Sulzer is awarded RISAS accreditation for Nottingham Service Centre

29/06/2020On the right track, Sulzer is awarded RISAS accreditation for Nottingham Service Centre

Following an independent audit, Sulzer’s Nottingham Service Centre has been accepted as part of the rail industry supplier approval scheme (RISAS). The accreditation reinforces the high-quality standards that are maintained by Sulzer’s network of independent repair facilities across the UK and further afield in its global network. ... more >
read more blog posts from 'the sleeper' >

comment

The challenge of completing Crossrail

05/07/2019The challenge of completing Crossrail

With a new plan now in place to deliver Crossrail, Hedley Ayres, National Audit Office manager, major projects and programmes, takes a look at ho... more >
Preparing the industry to deliver trains for the future

04/07/2019Preparing the industry to deliver trains for the future

The move to decarbonise the rail network involves shifting to cleaner modes of traction by 2050. David Clarke, technical director at the Railway ... more >
Sunshine future beckons for South Wales Railways, says 10:10 Climate Action’s Leo Murray

02/07/2019Sunshine future beckons for South Wales Railways, says 10:10 Climate Action’s Leo Murray

Smart electrification is the way to boost clean energy resources, argues Leo Murray, director at 10:10 Climate Action. Contractors are clear... more >
Ambition doesn’t have to be expensive, says Midland Connect's Maria Machancoses

02/07/2019Ambition doesn’t have to be expensive, says Midland Connect's Maria Machancoses

The TCR Midlands conference is only days away and tickets are going fast for the sector event of the year at the Vox Conference Centre in Birming... more >