Great British Railways has launched a major consultation outlining how future decisions will be made on access to Britain's rail network, marking one of the most significant changes to railway governance in a generation.
For the first time in more than 30 years, responsibility for determining how both passenger and freight services access the network will be brought together under a single framework. The move is designed to create a more transparent, consistent and joined-up approach to capacity allocation across Britain's railways.
The proposed system forms part of GBR's wider programme of reform and aims to ensure railway capacity is used more effectively, balancing the needs of passengers, freight operators, taxpayers and investors. It will also support closer integration with local transport strategies, including those developed by devolved governments and mayoral authorities.
At the centre of the consultation is the proposed Access & Use Policy, which will establish the principles and decision-making processes used to determine how rail network capacity is allocated. GBR says the policy will provide greater certainty for freight operators, open access services and other rail industry stakeholders, while maintaining safety as the overriding priority.
Anit Chandarana, Group Director of System Operator at Network Rail, said:
"Our aim is simple: to continue to make fair, transparent and consistent decisions about access to the railway, so we make the best possible use of the network 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.
"Change on this scale needs to be handled carefully and openly. The current draft of the policy has already benefited from positive engagement across the industry, and we are keen to hear further views through this consultation as we continue to shape the way forward."
The consultation follows the publication of the AUP Discussion Document in December 2025 and builds on extensive engagement with government departments, industry regulators, passenger and freight operators, infrastructure managers, and regional and devolved transport bodies.
Industry leaders will now have the opportunity to influence how GBR balances competing demands on the network, with the new framework expected to play a key role in shaping the future operation of Britain's railway.
The reforms are intended to simplify a complex access and charging system that has evolved over decades, helping create a more efficient railway capable of supporting future passenger growth and increasing freight demand whilst delivering better value for taxpayers.
Image credit: Network Rail
