Policy and Planning

The Policy and Planning team are part of the trade association work of ATOC. There are two main areas of activity both of which are undertaken in close liaison with train operators and their parent companies:

• Policy Development. The UK passenger rail sector works within a highly regulated environment. It is important that the views of train operators are taken into account in the development of UK legislation; EU legislation; the development of the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland’s approach to franchising; agreements with Network Rail; and the development and application of regulatory policy by the ORR.

• Railway Planning. ATOC works with Network Rail and Government to influence investment priorities for the rail industry. An example is the joint work we are undertaking with Network Rail and Freight companies on the long term priorities for rail