Access charges framework for the national rail network.
In our PR23 final determination we referenced commencing work early in control period 7 (CP7) to review the approach to setting access charges. We began engaging with industry in 2024 and commissioned consultants to review approaches to the setting and calculation of charges.
In our rail access charges discussion paper, we provide an overview of the current charges framework, our work with industry to date and the research commissioned in 2024.
In an accompanying report, CEPA has assessed the suitability of using an ‘econometric’ (or statistical) approach to calculate variable usage charges. The report corrects the previous CEPA report for an error identified post-publication and therefore supersedes the version published in March 2025.
We will continue to engage with DfT and Network Rail (and GBR in the future) as rail reform proposals develop.