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Explained in plain English

What are train operating costs?

Train operating costs cover everything from fuel and electricity to staff wages, maintenance, and track access charges paid to Network Rail. These significant outlays contribute to the high price of tickets, which in turn impacts how many people can afford to travel, potentially leading to overcrowding on routes like Thameslink.

Stories that explain this

Thameslink named Britain's most overcrowded train route

Questions this opens up

Who owns the tracks? What are track access charges? How much do train drivers earn?

Related explainers

Has train use increased over time? How many trains run daily? Who pays for train travel? Who runs our trains? Who sets train fares? Why are trains so busy? Why are trains so expensive? What is 'capacity'?

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