i The Department for Transport (the Department) sets the overall framework and strategy for railways and provides public funding in England and Wales.1 In Scotland, Transport Scotland has similar responsibilities. In Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government specifies, funds and manages the majority of the Arriva Trains Wales franchise. The Department took over these responsibilities from the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) in October 2005, which was abolished by the Railways Act 2005. The Department's National Networks Group (NN Group) specifies, procures and oversees private Train Operating Companies' (TOCs) delivery of franchises. The Department has responsibility for 16 rail franchises in England and Wales but not for two rail concessions. The Merseyrail concession was awarded by Merseytravel PTE and the London Overground was specified and procured by Transport for London, which has rail responsibilities within London (Figure 1). In some cases the Department specifies and procures additional rolling stock, generally provided by rolling stock leasing companies and made available to TOCs.
ii Network Rail, a company limited by guarantee, owns and operates Britain's fixed rail infrastructure, including rail stations, which it mainly leases to train operators. It is responsible for the reliability of the network and leads on performance and industry planning. The Department provides grant funding and train operators pay Network Rail station access and track access charges.
iii The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR), is an independent statutory body led by a Board. ORR regulates Network Rail's stewardship of the network; secures compliance with relevant health and safety law; licenses operators of railway assets; and enforces competition law in the rail sector.
iv Train Operating Companies (TOCs) are special purpose companies, owned by one or more of eleven parent organisations (see Figure 1), which hold each rail franchise.
v Rolling Stock Leasing Companies (ROSCOs) own the majority of rolling stock that is then leased by the Train Operating Companies.
vi Passenger Focus is a statutory body funded by the Department to protect passengers' interests by ensuring that passengers' views are represented whenever decisions are taken that affect the rail network. It is responsible for the National Passenger Survey.
vii Passenger Transport Executives plan and develop public transport in six of England's major conurbations, receiving funding directly from the Department or indirectly via local Passenger Transport Authorities. They are consulted on franchise specifications.
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1 Some franchises also run services from England into Scotland