Graeme Wall wrote in
:

All right. If you want to split hairs, maybe I should have said "the
TOC which runs the HEx service".

There isn't a TOC which runs the HEX service. HEX is operated by HEX
for the BAA.

It is not splitting hairs, it is making the point that sounding off
about TOCs and public service obligations is irrelevant in this case.
HEX has no public service obligations, it is a privately owned
business that can do what it legally likes. If you don't like it,
don't use it.

OK. So the company that runs the HEx is different to all other train
companies in that it's not a TOC? Fair enough. I didn't know that - I've
learned something. But if I'm confused, I can imagine most other lay people
will be as well. I had assumed (always dangerous, I know) that all companies
that ran trains on Network Rail tracks (at least as far as the tunnel into
Heathrow!) and used Network Rail stations were classed as TOCs and had
obligations to pool fares etc. Evidently not.

What a mess our rail system has become: some stations owned/operated by
TOCs, some owned by Network Rail; some services operated by TOCs, some
operated by companies that are not TOCs. Maybe I'm biassed because I can
remember a time when the railways were operated as a single entity with
joined-up thinking!