Rail infrastructure is a natural monopoly: as it does not make economic sense to build parallel networks, access to the rail network remains concentrated amongst a small number of providers. In its sector reports, the Monopolies Commission therefore analyses competition in the rail sector every two years – covering everything from train path pricing and non-discriminatory network access to market developments in passenger and freight transport. On the basis of this analysis, it assesses the existing regulatory framework and makes recommendations to policymakers as well as regulatory and competition authorities. The legal basis for this is Section 78 of the Railway Regulation Act. In addition, the Monopolies Commission also comments on the railway sector in its main reports, policy briefs and current statements.