In July 2022, Rail Partners responded to ORR’s technical consultation on the Schedule 4 possessions regime and the Schedule 8 performance regime as part of the PR23 process.
The response highlighted the importance of both regimes for any commercial operator and agreed the only incremental changes while awaiting the impacts of future rail reform.
On Schedule 4, Rail Partners broadly supported ORR’s proposals – including the ability to opt out of the possessions regime and for a more granular approach to monitoring possessions.
Regarding Schedule 8, Rail Partners agreed that only the evidence base underpinning Network Rail Payments should be updated. The response also expressed concern that enabling operators to opt out of the regime once reform had taken place would significantly reduce the incentives on all parties to contribute to a high performing railway.
