This is the fourth Route Utilisation Strategy to be developed by the Strategic Rail Authority. Unlike its three predecessors, the Midland Main Line, the Brighton Main Line and the Great Western Main Line, this Strategy looks across a wide region instead of along a route. It is more complex because of this, and a further complexity arises through the many links with the West Coast Main Line Strategy. We have focused our work on the areas most in need of attention and have tried to show clearly the steps from demand, cost and capacity analysis, through performance and affordability considerations, to the options considered and selected."