Trackage

Trackage is a term used in rail transport to describe the network of tracks that a railway uses or controls. It encompasses main lines, branch lines, yards, sidings, and spurs, as well as the associated track infrastructure such as rails, ties, ballast, signaling systems, and the right-of-way. Ownership and responsibility for trackage can vary: a company may own and operate its own trackage, or it may operate over the trackage of another carrier under a formal arrangement.

In practice, trackage also refers to the corridor itself or to the layout of tracks within a facility, including switches and interlockings that determine how trains move from one track to another.

Trackage rights are common in many rail systems. A railroad may obtain permission to operate its trains over another company's trackage, enabling interchanges, regional service, or access to customers without building new lines. Such rights are governed by contractual agreements and may specify routes, time windows, speed limits, tonnage, payment, and maintenance responsibilities. Domestic and cross-border routes are often subject to regulatory oversight to ensure safety, non-discriminatory access, and interoperability of equipment.

Maintenance and safety: who maintains the tracks and bears the cost is defined by the agreement; reliable trackage is essential for service reliability, speed, and safety. Track gauge—though distinct from trackage—affects compatibility; standard or non-standard gauges can constrain which fleets can run on certain networks.