Regulatory Timeline: Rail

“The significant levels of activity we are seeing in the rail sector are against a backdrop of regulatory uncertainty, including: the ORR’s role following the reclassification of Network Rail; the impact of the upcoming General Election; and the role of competition in passenger rail, both in the UK and across Europe.”

1 March 2015 – Passenger rail franchising

The Department for Transport (DfT) is expected to issue the Invitation to Tender for the Great Western passenger rail franchise, and to publish the OJEU Notice for the Greater Anglia passenger rail franchise.

1 March 2015 – Rail ticket retailing consultation

The ORR is expected to follow up with a second consultation on ticket retailing in early spring 2015, with potential recommendations to capture the opportunities and address the issues raised by consultees.

1 April 2015 – Rail Delivery Group review of planning and timing of engineering works

Following the incidents at the end of 2014, the cross-industry Rail Delivery Group (RDG) is reviewing the planning and timing of rail engineering works. The review commenced on 13 January 2015 and is to be completed by the end of March 2015.

1 July 2015 – ORR review of the operation of the Rolling Stock Leasing Market Investigation Order 2009

In the summer, the ORR is expected to publish the conclusions of its review of the operation of the Rolling Stock Leasing Market Investigation Order 2009 following the Competition Commission’s Rolling Stock Leasing market investigation. If it identifies compliance or efficacy issues, or other issues that warrant further action, the ORR may engage its formal review powers or take any other further steps, such as a reference to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

1 July 2015 – Competition and Markets Authority review of competition in the passenger rail market

In the summer, the CMA is expected to report the interim findings of its review of the scope for increasing competition in passenger rail services in Great Britain. As well as enhancing competition in this market, the aim is to identify whether this could lead to better value for money and improve service quality. This is a policy project, and not a formal investigation or market study, so the CMA has more flexibility around the timescales and scope of its work.

1 August 2015 – Passenger rail franchising

The DfT is expected to issue an Invitation to Tender for the Greater Anglia passenger rail franchise, and to publish the OJEU Notice for the West Coast passenger rail franchise.

1 October 2015 – Passenger rail franchising

Contract award expected for the Northern and TransPennine Express passenger rail franchises.

1 November 2015 – Passenger rail franchising

The DfT is expected to publish the OJEU Notice for the London Midland passenger rail franchise.

1 January 2016 – Passenger rail franchising

The DfT is expected to issue the Invitation to Tender for the West Coast passenger rail franchise.