What are open access train services?
Here the PA news agency answers 10 key question about open access operators.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Britain’s rail network could see the addition of seven new open access routes.
Here the PA news agency answers 10 key question about open access services.
– How are most train services in Britain run?
By operators either in public ownership – such as Southern, TransPennine Express and ScotRail – or paid management fees by the UK Government, for example Avanti West Coast, Greater Anglia and Great Western Railway.
– What about open access services?
They are run by private companies receiving no taxpayer-funded subsidies.
– What impact does that have on those operators?
They take on all revenue risk. If they fail to attract sufficient passengers, their owners will lose money.
– How do open access operators work differently than traditional operators?
They have much more control over decisions such as what rolling stock they use and what fares they charge.
– What open access operators currently run domestic passenger services in Britain?
Grand Central, Heathrow Express, Hull Trains and Lumo.
– Can anyone start an open access train service?
Prospective operators need to secure approval from regulator the Office of Rail and Road.
– What factors determine whether an application is given the go ahead?
Among the issues considered are whether services will attract new passengers rather than just take them from other operators, whether passengers will benefit, and whether existing services will be disrupted.
– What are the benefits of open access services?
Proponents say they lead to more competition, lower fares, and innovations such as being the first operators to introduce free Wi-Fi for all passengers.
– How low are open access fares?
A report by Rail Partners found new open access operators competing on the same routes as incumbents offer fare reductions of up to 60% in the long-term.
– Are there any concerns about open access services?
Some rail experts believe operators cherry pick the most profitable routes and do not put their fare share of investment into the industry.