Capacity fears as private operators apply for access

A total of 85 separate applications have been lodged to launch new rail services or extend existing ones, prompting concerns that the busiest parts of the UK network could fall under increasingly intense pressure over the next five years.

Many are from full-risk concerns that will be independent of government control when existing train operators’ current contracts expire or are terminated early.

Network Rail is keeping a close eye on the current flurry of approaches to the Office of Rail and Road. While supportive of greater utilisation of some routes, the company warns that some of the busiest routes are already close to their saturation point.