The passenger rail public service obligation levy

Seeks views on the introduction of a public service obligation levy for open access rail passenger operators. Specifically on:

• the principle of the levy
• the proposed scope and design of the levy
• high level options for implementation

The levy is intended to allow open access operators to contribute where they are able to, towards the provision of socially and economically important, but ultimately unprofitable, public service obligation services.

This is part of the government’s response to the Competition and Markets Authority report on passenger rail competition.