Talk:National Rail

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I am looking for information on how and from whom an operating company obtains its franchise. Laurel Bush 4 July 2005 10:59 (UTC).

The organisation responsible for franchising is currently the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA). As I understand the process, the SRA, in consultation with other bodies, decides what the franchise should be (what area it should cover, what targets and requirements it has, etc) and then companies that want to operate the service bid for the right to do so. Obviously its more complicated than this, but I've not found more information on it on wikipedia. The SRA website would seem like a good place to look for more detail, but I've not found it on there yet. Thryduulf 4 July 2005 12:04 (UTC)

Thanks. Laurel Bush 4 July 2005 12:57 (UTC).

[edit] Congratulations

Just a note to thank all the shapers of this article for an excellent concise, and precise, guide to some difficult-to-pin down concepts. Even National Rail's own site does not really define "National Rail", and with Network Rail also being "NR" (not to mention Northern Rail too!) the level of clear disambiguation presented here is very necessary. -- Picapica 10:40, 19 November 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Grand Central Trains

I've seen several articles in which it is stated that Grand Central Trains will be starting its services from Kings Cross to Sunderland/Bradford in 2007, but also recently read (last week) that the debate was still ongoing as to who would get the available paths out of Kings Cross. Does anyone know what the current situation is? Willkm 16:10, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

The latest I've seen is that they have been provisionally awarded the right to run the Sunderland - King's Cross (to be confirmed sometime in the next couple of weeks - I get the impression this is just a formality), the Bradford service either has been rejected or the decision postponed. GNER were complaining that they hadn't been given the paths to expand their KX - Leeds service, with the implication being that they have been awarded to GCT instead. I think I read this in a Guardian Unlimited article and the GCT website, but I don't have links to either handy. Thryduulf 17:05, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

Cheers. I'll look out for more info when my next Rail instalment arrives on Saturday where I'm sure all will be explained. Willkm 17:37, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] London-Gatwick Ticketing

There is no London-Gatwick ticket that can be used on all three main operators between these two stations. There is a ticket that is valid on all operators except Gatwick Express (which can also be used on services that otherwise would not be available for London-Gatwick passengers, such as the Virgin services between East Croydon and Gatwick). But if you want to travel Gatwick Express you have to buy a Gatwick Express ticket. What makes the situation more complicated is that through tickets that involve the London-Gatwick line are valid on Gatwick Express (as well as other operators on the line) unless stated otherwise. The difficulty is how to explain this succinctly... Flagboy 10:56, 2 June 2006 (UTC)

To easily explain the situation with a station beyond Gatwick Airport is valid on the GEX is by stating that a ROUTE ANY PERMITTED is valid on the Gatwick Express with stations beyond Gatwick. London - Gatwick does have an Any Permitted ticket, which is the Gatwick Express ticket valid on all three operators. Tubechallenger 15:28, 26 June 2006 (UTC)