Track access guidance and forms

If a train operator wants to access the national railway network, it will need a track access contract with Network Rail. This page sets out what you need to know.

If a railway operator wants to run trains on the rail network, it must seek the independent rail regulator's approval for a track access agreement with Network Rail.

This page contains the standard application forms and model contracts to be used when applying for access to Network Rail's infrastructure or to connect to its network.

Do you want to establish a freight terminal? This page will help you with the things you need to know. Licensing The operator of the freight terminal operator will probably need a network licence exemption. See our licensing section. Connection contracts The facility owner will normally need a connection to the national rail network though some new terminals connect via another party's

Under certain conditions, a facility owner of a railway asset, such as a station, can apply to be exempt from certain access provisions. Types of exemptions Exemptions generally fall into three categories: stations depots network exemptions Network exemptions apply to a specific defined network. Station and light maintenance depot exemptions generally relate to a named station or light maintenance

This section contains information relating to connection contracts including the model connection contract and the applicability of the associated General Approval. If you wish to connect facilities to the Network Rail network you should consider using our model connection contract. This contract sets out the rights and obligations of the parties for the ongoing operation and maintenance

The documents contained below provides guidance and the application form for track access by freight operators. Industry standard Model Contracts are included as well as details of General Approvals for track access and ports and terminals which cover situations where you may enter or amend contracts without needing to apply to us for specific approval. For guidance on how to apply for a track

The documents contained below provide guidance and the application form for track access by passenger operators whether franchised or Open Access. Industry standard Model Contracts are included as well as details of General Approvals which cover situations where you may enter or amend contracts without needing to apply to us for specific approval. Related documents and links are provided to help

This section contains all the links you need to enable you to apply for track access, or for a contract for connection to the network, whether for passenger or freight. It also includes links to help you to apply for options on access and details of applicable exemptions. There are further links to our comprehensive Criteria and Procedures document as well as detailed model contracts for all