This page contains information on our consideration of capacity, performance and current applications for access on the West Coast Main Line (WCML).
Applications
Further information on current applications on the WCML is available on our current applications page.
Process for current applications
We have provided a number of updates to stakeholders to set out how we plan to take forward our consideration of competing applications on the WCML. Network Rail also wrote to us on 8 July 2021 with an update:
- Network Rail’s further update on WCML S17 applications
Published 6 January 2022 - Network Rail's update on WCML S17 applications by Avanti West Coast and Grand Union Trains
- Published 12 July 2021
- Competing applications for access to the West Coast Main Line
- Published 21 October 2020
- Access to the West Coast Main Line update letter
Published 22 November 2019 - Access to the West Coast Main Line
Published 11 October 2019
WCML Capacity Study
In 2019 we asked Network Rail to produce a capacity report to inform ORR on the capacity options that exist on the WCML.
WCML Capacity Assessment
Published 4 March 2020
Network Rail WCML Capacity Study Remit
Published 10 January 2020
Track Access factsheet
If a railway operator wants to run trains on the rail network, it must seek the independent rail regulator's approval for a track access agreement with Network Rail.
How we make our decisions on track access and what factors we consider when making those decisions:
- Track Access factsheet PDF infographic.