Access for passenger operators

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This page contains guidance modules and the application form for track access by passenger operators, both public service operators and open access.

Industry standard Model Contracts are included, as well as details of General Approvals which allow applicants to enter into or amend contracts without the need to apply to us for specific approval in a limited set of circumstances. There are also related documents and links to information that may help with any questions you have when drafting applications.

For guidance on how to apply for a track access contract for a passenger operator (including charter and open access) please read our guidance modules on the approval of track access contracts.

Potential new entrants to the market should familiarise themselves with our Starting Mainline Rail Operations document.

We advise all applicants to use our model contracts, provided below.

For international passenger operators wishing to apply for access to operate cross-border services, we have produced guidance on the assessment of new international passenger services.

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Application form

Application for approval of, or amendments to a passenger track access contract.

Applicants should use a Form P application form (for passenger operators, including charter and open access operators) for all applications under sections 17-22A. The form is available below in OpenDocument Text (ODT) and Word formats:

Model contracts

For any new contract applications, applicants are advised to begin with the passenger model contract. Further guidance on this can be found on our track access guidance page.

Passenger general approvals

We have powers under sections 18 and 22 of the Act to grant general approvals. The current passenger general approvals are listed below:

For previous policy decisions and workstreams, please see the policy and document archive.

For previous access application decisions, please see our decisions library or, for decisions in the last six months, the relevant decisions page.