How Railways Work
in Great Britain
First, an explanation: what do we mean by Great Britain?
Great Britain is that part of the United Kingdom consisting of the
mainland of England, Wales and Scotland, together with rail-served islands
such as Anglesey and the Isle of Wight. It does not include the Channel
Islands, the Isle of Man or Northern Ireland.
- The UK government's Department
for Transport has overall strategic control of railway development and is responsible
for letting operating franchises in England and Wales. Transport Scotland
performs a similar function for Scotland.
- Network Rail - Apart from a few
private lines, Network Rail provides and maintains the infrastructure, track, signalling
and the like for the whole of Great Britain, and coordinates the timetables of the various
Train Operating Companies
- Passenger Train Operating Companies operate
passenger trains and, in some instances, provide station facitlities
- Freight Operating Companies operate
non-passenger trains, including revenue freight services and network
maintenance trains
- The Rolling Stock Companies own locomotives and rolling stock
which are hired or leased to the train operators
- The Office of Rail Regulation
is responsible for overseeing the proper running of Network Rail and the train operating
franchises, and for maintaining rail safety
- National Rail
is an information service provided by the Train Operating Companies,
which includes on-line timetables
- BRB (Residuary) Ltd
continues certain statutory functions of the former British Railways Board
not directly related to rail operation
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2000-2010 Glyn Williams
