Track access rights on the West Coast Main Line

18 January 2011

We note that the following WCML access applications have been made:

• Department for Transport (DfT) application for access rights under section 17;
• Alliance Rail Holdings application for access rights under section 17;
• Grand Central application for access rights under section 17, and
• London Midland applications for access rights under section 22A.

1.2 We are also aware of the work undertaken by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) with industry stakeholders to inform its decision regarding any access rights, which has resulted in the Prototype Timetable Development Remit – WCML. Phase Two of the remit has resulted in ORR concluding that, for the purpose of this exercise, the scenario of one additional 125mph off-peak train path per hour between London Euston and Preston offers the best whole-industry solution to remaining network availability.