Infrastructure

Broadly speaking, there are three main ways of categorising rail infrastructure: high speed lines, heavy rail systems, and light rails or tramways.

High speed lines are very fast (typically 125 mph or 200 km/h, depending on the line) but require a longer distance between stations than other rail systems, such as heavy rail and light rails. This makes them more expensive to build and maintain, especially considering the technology required to facilitate the safe high speed travel of trains. Because of this, high speed lines are typically used for long-distance travel, such as between major cities.

Heavy rail systems are slower than high speed lines but much faster than light rails or tramways. They are also more expensive to build and maintain than light rails, but not as much as high speed lines. Heavy rail systems are most commonly used for commuter travel.

Light rails or tramways are the slowest type of rail infrastructure, typically travelling around 25 mph (40 km/h). They are also the cheapest to build and maintain. This makes them ideal for shorter distances, such as in urban areas.

UK rail infrastructure is currently owned by public sector body Network Rail, who moreover manages its operation. Network Rail is a non-departmental public body, meaning it is an independent company which works for the government, but is not actually an official entity within it.

Network Rail is still answerable to the Office of Rail and Road, which is a government department.

A large part of the activities within the rail infrastructure sector is maintenance; this is essential for keeping trains running throughout the year, year upon year.

Railway maintenance is continually carried out, ensuring tracks are free from debris and are working correctly; power, such as for signalling and the traffic light system, is working; areas surrounding train infrastructure and routes are safe and secure; infrastructure is intact and working correctly.