scope:

This standard applies to:

a) all Network Rail Regions / Routes and Central Functions;

b) all aspects of the train plan that have the potential to impact the train service being operated safely and reliably; and

c) all changes to train services that are known before D-64 and up to the priority date at D-40 only.

NOTE : Through their duty of co-operation (see Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 (Regulation 22)), Operating Companies are required to participate fully in the processes (including detailed assessments) laid out in this standard.

This standard is to be applied to help manage Network Rail's obligation that it "shall endeavour wherever possible to comply with all Access Proposals" and also "to share capacity on the Network for the safe carriage of passengers and goods in the most efficient and economical manner in the overall interest of current and prospective users and providers of railway services".

The following are out of scope:

a) Train Operator Variation Requests (TOVR) received after D-40;

b) calculating the impact of change to the WTT in terms Public Performance Measure (PPM), or equivalent performance metric; and

c) timetable variations - e.g. Short Term Plan (STP).

Purpose

This standard provides a framework whereby Network Rail can identify, assess, evaluate and assure operational risks associated with prospective changes to the train service, prior to the publication of the Working Timetable (WTT).

The purpose of the standard is to manage operational risks that arise from the change to an acceptable level, whilst pursuing realisation of the benefit of the change.

When applied, the risk management framework set out in the standard should enable Network Rail's Regions / Routes to demonstrate that workforce and public safety requirements are being met and a reliable train service will be provided to passengers and freight end users when the new timetable operates.

NOTE : Change to the train service is generally proposed to enable capacity, journey time or performance benefit. It is also often a contractual requirement on an Operating Company (e.g. via a franchise).