Research and studies

This work will support government plans to boost investment and drive economic growth across the UK.

Reports on Network Rail’s efficiency and wider financial performance, and the wider rail industry’s productivity.

As the combined safety and economic regulator for Britain’s railway, we reviewed how costs and benefits are assessed for safety initiatives, and whether reasonable practicability is systematically tested by dutyholders.

Independent reporters provide professional advice to the ORR on the quality of Network Rail's service provision, as specified in its licence.

We regularly commission research, working with expert agencies and the rail industry to gather feedback on passengers' experiences of accessibility, and assisted travel services.

Our research and findings on the transparency of online rail ticket fees.

Network Rail's network licence includes a condition providing for independent experts (reporters) to be appointed by the network operator (Network Rail), to provide ORR with advice on different aspects of Network Rail’s performance.

Network Rail's network licence includes a condition providing for independent experts (reporters) to be appointed by the network operator (Network Rail), to provide ORR with advice on different aspects of Network Rail’s performance.

We undertake targeted assurance reviews to gain in-depth understanding into ongoing or emerging issues, risks and opportunities within Network Rail which could impact regulatory targets.

Signalling systems are an essential part of the railway. They keep passengers safe by ensuring trains do not come into conflict with each other and play a key role in freeing up capacity on our congested network.