Public consultation for proposed rail access maximum prices
Consultation was open from 27 March to 4 May 2025 and has now closed.
Thank you for your contributions. Your feedback will be considered when preparing the final pricing notice.
The Rail Management Act 1996 (Act) allows the Ministers to set new maximum prices for rail transport services provided by an access provider using the rail network.
The Act requires the responsible Minister to prepare a draft of the notice setting the maximum prices (consultation draft) and invite submissions and comments from industry and the public.
The notice setting the maximum prices must be published before 1 June 2025. It is proposed that the notice commence 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 allows the responsible Ministers to set rail access maximum prices and establish rail access guidelines, which replace 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).
In 2020, we studied freight rail access pricing to support reform of the rail access regime. This included developing a new maximum pricing structure for rail freight access.
Rail access maximum prices notice
Rail Management Act 1996
INITIAL SPECIFICATION OF RAIL ACCESS MAXIMUM PRICES FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2024 TO 2025 UNDER SECTION 38J
We, Gabrielle Williams, Minister for Public and Active Transport, and the Hon Melissa Horne, Minister for Ports and Freight, responsible for administering the Rail Management Act 1996, having regard to the matters specified under section 38J(2) of that Act, specify the maximum prices for declared rail transport services provided by Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM), V/Line, Victorian Rail Track (VicTrack) and Pacific National, by means of a declared rail network, contained in the Schedule to this notice for the financial year 2024 to 2025.
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 2024.
Dated: 20 May 2024
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 2024/2025 here.
Rail Access Guidelines Order
Rail Management Act 1996
ORDER OF RAIL ACCESS GUIDELINES UNDER SECTION 38I
We, 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 2024.
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 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.
Updated