How do uk train companies get their money when several operator's run the same routes?

Question

Hi,

When i buy a ticket from brighton to london terminals there are 3 different train companies i can travel with. How on earth do the different companies get money fairly for the people that use their service?

Answer 1

The first answer misunderstands to UK position as the TOCs (train operating companies) don't own the tracks - that belongs to an entirely separate organisation, Network Rail to whom each TOC pays an 'access charge' for use. The apportionment of fare revenue between TOCs when a journey uses more than one operator is dealt with by The Association of Train Operating Companies - some information is available here:- http://www.atoc.org/rsp/

Answer 2

Think of yourself as cargo.

In the US, there are different companies who have joint trackage rights, either by mutual agreement of the railroads involved or by directive from the government as a condition of merger between two or more carriers..  

They are compensated by the shipper of the cargo (in this case, you), but depending on the terms of the agreement, the companies themselves split the monies in accordance with the agreement provisions for maintenance purposes of the joint trackage, etc.

Answer 3

Basically, the accounting is done on a percentage useage of the route basis.

ie. the company that runs the most trains, receives the greatest portion of the revenue.