Cost reduction

2025-26 Commitments

Driving down costs, driving up efficiency

We'll cut costs by enhancing data sharing, improving signal assessments, and streamlining project delivery. Updates to cost-benefit tools and National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs) guidance will ensure value and compliance. We'll support data interoperability and address energy NTSN issues, enabling a safer, cost-effective railway. View our roadmap and scroll to explore how.

The problem and our approach

The rail industry has high maintenance and operational costs. However, many of our outputs reduce industry cost and drive efficiency. We play a vital role in the industry’s commitment to provide value for money.

As rail reform progresses, our approach will be based on the increased integration of the industry through data-driven improvements. Our work will facilitate the better sharing of operational and engineering data. This will identify efficiencies and give a thorough industry-wide view on cross-sector opportunities.

2025-26 Commitments

We will:

address the Rail Accident Investigation Branch recommendation that identified improvements and benefits in extending the scope of sighting assessments. We will reduce the risks of overspeeding by improving signal sighting assessments. We will revise the standard to reflect best practices for positioning and configuring signals, indicators, and lineside operational signs.
tackle industry data fragmentation. The full value of data is not yet realised, due to low interoperability. We will lead the industry in delivering data-driven improvements, by enabling better sharing, integration, and use of operational and engineering data. Working with industry, government, and stakeholders such as the Rail Data Marketplace (RDM), we will develop guidance on greater data interoperability.
update our cost-benefit analysis guidance and tool for safety interventions. The update will build on findings from ORR’s review of the costs and benefits of safety interventions. This will help our members take safety investment decisions that give value for money and demonstrate legal compliance.
support the efficient delivery of industry projects, avoiding rework and its potential costs. Current guidance is fragmented so we will publish a general guidance note on National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs) implementation. This will reduce the risk of variations in the way NTSNs are applied.
provide authoritative guidance to facilitate timely and cost-effective project delivery. We know from industry feedback that implementing the Energy NTSN requirements is causing problems that may lead to increases in project costs and delay risks. We will support more effective and efficient implementation of the Energy NTSN, considering the post-EU exit legal environment.