Benefits of Open Access Rail Competition in Great Britain

Briefing Note – July 23rd, 2026.

  • Both Britain and many countries in Europe have demonstrated that open access rail competition works.

  • It has delivered new routes, lower fares, private investment, stronger regional connectivity and more passengers – all without operating subsidy.

As the Government reshapes Britain’s railway, the challenge is not whether competition should continue, but how it can become a central pillar of the future network.

ALLRAIL’s new briefing note explains why expanding open access would deliver better value for money for taxpayers, encourage further private investment and help create a railway that is more innovative, more responsive to passengers and better able to compete with road and air.

Read the note