Our Route Planning

Network Rail's 26 Strategic Routes are the foundation of the rail industry planning process. Route Planning develops and maintains the 26 Route Plans in consultation with our customers, end users and funders to ensure that they reflect customer’s requirements and are consistent with the funds available.  The Route Plans are published each year as part of our Business Plan and are updated at intervals through the year.

The plans are underpinned by a programme of Route Utilisation Strategies (RUSs).  RUSs establish the appropriate strategic direction from a systematic analysis of future requirements of the network. Each RUS is managed by a group consisting of key industry stakeholders.

The programme of 19 individual RUSs covers the entire network.  It also includes a Network RUS which is developing strategies for stations, depots, rolling stock and electrification, and a Freight RUS which has established a strategy to meet anticipated freight demand.

The Route Planning team is responsible for liaison with the DfT and Transport Scotland in the development of passenger franchise specifications.  It acts as client for enhancement schemes funded by Network Rail and liaises with customers and stakeholders with regards to the scope of future renewals programmes and the opportunities for enhancements.  

- Richard Eccles, Head of Route Planning 

Latest RUS news

Eight RUSs have been completed so far and work is underway on ten more. The Lancashire and Cumbria Draft for Consultation was the most recently published, on 24 April 2008.

To see key dates in the RUS Programme, click here.