Explanatory note

This Order provides for the grant of exemptions from the franchise and closure provisions of the Railways Act 1993 (“the Act”) in respect of a temporary network consisting of a spur line connecting with the network running between the Great Western Line and Heathrow Airport. The franchise exemption applies only until scheduled services are first provided on the latter network.

Article 2 provides for the grant of an exemption from section 23(1) of the Act (designation of railway passenger services as eligible for franchising) in respect of any service provided on any railway line comprised in the temporary network.

Article 3 provides that sections 37, 39 and 41 of the Act (discontinuance of railway passenger services and closure of operational networks and facilities) are not to apply in relation to the temporary network.