Economic analysis of access applications

This invitation to tender sets out ORR's requirement for consultants to carry out economic analysis in support of ORR's assessment of track access rights decisions for four access applications. ORR is responsible for regulating access to the national rail network. A train operator seeking rights to operate services on Network Rail infrastructure must enter into a track access contract, which requires ORR approval under the Railways Act 1993. ORR is required to approve contracts where the parties have reached agreement. Where the parties are unable to agree, an operator may apply to ORR for a determination. In reaching track access decisions, ORR weighs all its relevant duties under the Railways Act 1993. This is done by exploring a range of considerations, such as availability of capacity, impact on performance and safety, competition and the impact on Secretary of State's funds. ORR is assessing four applications on which we are seeking consultancy support for economic analysis