Cross-Operator Routes

[andy33gmail]

As I understand it, the rail franchises effectively divvy out sets of routes/lines to different operators

So let's suppose there was an overwhelming demand for a service between Blackfriars (Thameslink) and Ely (Great Northern / Greater Anglia). This presumably can only be fulfilled by either a tremendous amount of beaurocity, changing the terms of the franchises on the next renewal, or via an open access operator. Probably not the most useful example, but an easy one to describe.

This of course becomes less relevant with Great British Rail ... since eventually all services will be by the same operator

So ... based on the available lines, stock and other real-world constraints. What services could be added ... all sorts of permutations are possible - e.g. main-line services stopping at overground-only stations. Or in some cases overground trains going on sub-surface underground lines

 

[Captain Bigwig]

It's actually not that much bureaucracy, and it doesn't need to wait until the next franchise renewal. Essentially what happens is either the DfT goes to an operator and says "we'd like you to run this new service, here's some money to do so", or an operator goes to the DfT and says "we'd like to run an additional service, please give us some money to do so". (Slightly more complicated as there's a bit of negotiation that goes on, but that's the gist of it.) Recent examples would include Chiltern being given the job of running Oxford to Milton Keynes services, GWR running direct Oxford- Bristol services or TfW wanting to launch a new Cardiff - Bristol service (that last one obviously involving the Welsh Government as well as the DfT).

 

[ShadowKnight]

I thought this was going along the lines of multi operator services in Japan. Where a commuter train reaches the city, becomes a metro service through the city (worked by a second operator) and becomes a commuter service upon leaving the city again (worked by a third operator).

Could that work in the UK? E.g. extending the Elizabeth line from Shenfield to Southend by a TFL/greater Anglia joint operated unit? I imagine the risks of the reliability of such a interworking service does not help...