TOCs-The passenger railway picture in Britain

In 1993 new legislation was passed in the UK to allow the former BR (British Rail) to be split into franchised regions and be operated by private TOCs (Train Operating Companies) who had submitted bids to the government.  The UK railways were split into 3 entities, Rail Infrastructure (Railtrack), Freight Operating companies (FOCs) and Passenger services (Franchises) operated by the TOCs. 

The situation as of early 2007 consists of Network Rail (formerly Railtrack), 14 FOCs and 20 TOCs.  There are presently 23 passenger franchises as of Aug 2007 but several TOCs have secured more than one franchise resulting in fewer TOCs than franchises.  Virgin for instance operates 2 franchises.  There are also 3 non franchise service companies including Heathrow Express.  The UK government is planning to further consolidate the many franchises as several are up for renewal in the coming years.  It is therefore likely that the number of companies will reduce in the future as economies of scale take hold.

Central Trains, Midland Mainline, Silverlink and Virgin X Country franchises are due to expire in November 2007.  GNER is to be replaced by a new company, National East Coast Express from Dec 2007.