Research and studies

We commissioned quantitative and focus group research to explore passengers’ awareness of terms and conditions, both in general when travelling by train on the national rail network (the National Rail Conditions of Travel - NRCoT) and specific to ticket type and format.

Ticket machines (TVMs) are designed to allow rail passengers to make quick and easy ticket purchases at the station, rather than using ticket offices. It’s a popular method, with around a third of passengers using a TVM to buy their tickets.

In May 2017, we commissioned an Independent Reporter, Nichols, to carry out a deliverability review of Stirling Dunblane Alloa (SDA) electrification project. The forecast cost for the works had risen considerably since the beginning of the control period and Network Rail was indicating costs were due to rise still further.

Passenger rail: Trends and comparisons for franchised operators sets out our analysis of trends in the franchised passenger rail industry and compares the costs and revenues of franchised operators, in the context of the service they provide between 2001 and 2014 .

A summary of the passengers’ experience of planning journeys, choosing rail, buying tickets and using its services drawing on new research into passengers’ decisions, past research into buying and travel habits.

Report on rail passengers' awareness of their compensation and refund rights.

'Costs and revenues of franchised passenger train operators in the UK' compares for the first time the expenditure of the 19 franchised Train Operating Companies (TOCs),

The assessment of the scope for Network Rail to improve on its cost efficiency is central to our work, since it enables us to establish efficient levels of track access charges when we periodically review Network Rail's outputs as part of a balanced package.