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Rail access pricing and guidelines

Specifying and publishing maximum prices and guidelines for rail access.

Rail Access Pricing Notice 2025 to 2026

After consultation in March and April 2025, the Rail Access Pricing Notice for 2025 to 2026 has been published and will come into operation on 1 July 2025.

Overview of the Victorian Rail Access Regime

The Victorian rail access regime is set out in Part 2A of the Act. The Act sets out maximum prices for rail access and rail access guidelines. This replaces the previous access regime administered by the Essential Services Commission.

To fulfil its policy commitments, the Victorian Government has reformed the rail network's access regime for freight services. The reforms are designed to regulate rail access in Victoria in the interests of competition and economic efficiency.

Rail access maximum prices

Rail access pricing is a charge imposed on those who want to run a train on the rail network (called “access seekers” in the Act) by providers of rail transport services (“access providers” e.g. Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM), V/Line).

Rail access maximum prices notice

Rail Management Act 1996

NEW RAIL ACCESS MAXIMUM PRICES FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2025 TO 2026 UNDER SECTION 38I

We, the Hon Gabrielle Williams, Minister for Public and Active Transport, and the Hon Melissa Horne, Minister for Ports and Freight, responsible for administering Part 2A of the Rail Management Act 1996, having had regard to the Consumer Price Index for Melbourne, specify the maximum prices for declared rail transport services provided by Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM), V/Line and Victorian Rail Track (VicTrack), by means of a declared rail network, contained in the Schedule to this notice for the financial year 2025 to 2026.

Where a term used in this notice is defined in the Rail Management Act 1996, it has the meaning given to it in the Rail Management Act 1996.
This notice comes into operation on 1 July 2025.

Dated: 15 May 2025

The Hon Gabrielle Williams MP

Minister for Public and Active Transport

The Hon Melissa Horne MP

Minister for Ports and Freight

View Maximum prices for declared rail transport services 2025/2026 commencing 1 July here.

View Maximum prices for declared rail transport services 2024/2025.

Rail Access Guidelines

These Guidelines outline the terms and conditions for rail access. According to the Rail Management Act 1996, they include instructions on:

  • How access providers should prioritise passenger trains
  • How to manage and notify about temporary railway track closures
  • How to handle and communicate the availability of freight train paths

Additionally, the Guidelines cover:

  • How long must rail access arrangements last
  • How to extend the duration of rail access arrangements
  • The process for changing rail access arrangements
  • How to resolve disputes between access providers and those seeking access to declared rail transport services

These Guidelines explain what an Access Arrangement should include and help negotiate Access Agreements. They also provide practical advice on setting maximum rail access prices.

Rail Access Guidelines Order

Rail Management Act 1996

PUBLICATION OF RAIL ACCESS GUIDELINES UNDER SECTION 38I

We, the Hon Gabrielle Williams, Minister for Public and Active Transport, and the Hon Melissa Horne, Minister for Ports and Freight, responsible for administering Part 2A of the Rail Management Act 1996, order that the rail access guidelines be published, with reference to section 38I of that Act.

Where a term used in this notice is defined in the Rail Management Act 1996, it has the meaning given to it in the Rail Management Act 1996.

This notice comes into operation on 1 July 2025.

Dated: 15 May 2025

The Hon Gabrielle Williams MP

Minister for Public and Active Transport

The Hon Melissa Horne MP

Minister for Ports and Freight

Victorian Rail Access Regime Guidelines - commencing 1 July 2025

Victorian Rail Access Regime Guidelines June 2025
Word 271.47 KB
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Victorian Rail Access Regime Guidelines - 2024

Victorian Rail Access Regime Guidelines June 2024
Word 245.59 KB
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Rail Freight Network Capability Statement

We’ve developed the Statement of Freight Network Capability (Statement) to state the rail network’s capability and when it's available for carrying goods.

This statement is meant to make things clear for both customers and the operators who run the trains and help achieve the goals set in the Government‘s Freight Plan.

A new statement will be made if there are any material changes in the rail network's standards, capacity, use, or availability.

It's important to remember that the information is just a guide, we encourage everyone involved to check with the network managers for the most accurate information.

Victoria’s rail infrastructure Statement of Freight Network Capability October 2023
PDF 1.14 MB
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Updated