How does Network Rail manage the interface with heritage railways?
Heritage railways are not generally part of the national network. They are owned by a number of different bodies and companies and exceptionally by Network Rail. See the Heritage Railway Association website (www.heritagerailways.com) for links to operating railways. In all cases, the first approach for any initiative should be to the company or group managing the line who in turn will contact Network Rail if appropriate. The Account Director Community Rail will initially work with any heritage railway that needs to deliver a new scheme which impacts on the national network. Once the scheme is clearly developed, its outputs clearly defined and if there is a reasonable prospect that the resources needed can be secured, it will be passed across to a Scheme Sponsor who will take the scheme forward through the various stages of Network Rail’s GRIP process – GRIP (Guide to Railway Investment Projects) is the company’s structured project development and delivery process.
