LNER timetable: Regulatory ambition hits reality.

This article explores the difficulties faced by the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) in implementing its timetable due to regulatory constraints. It discusses the impact of privatization and the separation of track and train responsibilities on the railway system. The article also mentions the lack of industry control over access to the rail network and the need for a reevaluation of the regulatory structure. It emphasizes the ongoing influence of the regulatory structure introduced in 1994 and the role of the Office of Rail and Road in allocating access rights. The article concludes by mentioning the potential for improvement if the Labour Party's version of Great British Railways is implemented. Additionally, the article touches on the failure of the Virgin Trains East Coast (VTEC) franchise and the challenges faced in implementing the December 2024 timetable on the East Coast Main Line (ECML). It highlights the uncertainty surrounding infrastructure enhancements and the impact of the Hendy Review on the delivery of these enhancements. The financial difficulties faced by VTEC are also mentioned. Overall, the article sheds light on the challenges of privatization and the importance of the railway system determining its own future. [Extracted from the article]