Rail franchising in the UK - a model for the future

In this article, the author examines successful and sustainable public-private partnerships in the rail sector that work to the benefit of customers, business and government, and he argues that a new system is needed that addresses long-term economic objectives and wider social goals. The article begins with a discussion of the failed West Coast Main Line, which the author suggests highlights the limitations of the government's current franchising model. Highlighted is the "Alliance" approach that is being used for the North West Rail Project in Sydney, Australia as an example of a successful public-private partnership, and the author asserts that rewarding bids on a specific set of success criteria that goes beyond financial goals into societal goals is becoming more widespread in the UK's private sector. Additionally, he argues that such contracts offer measurable goals for rail franchise operators, such as increase in low-income ridership, increased number of tourists to regional destinations, and reduced antisocial behavior on trains.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.railpro.co.uk/digital-issues
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/49957551
• Authors:
  • Madan, Vivek
• Publication Date: 2013-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: pp 57-58
• Serial:
  • Rail Professional
  • Issue Number: 192
  • Publisher: Cambridge Publishers Limited
  • ISSN: 1476-2196
  • Serial URL: http://www.cpl.biz/ourwork/general/rp.htm

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Competitive bidding; Economic and social factors; Franchises; Public private partnerships; Railroad transportation; Railroads; Sustainable transportation
• Identifier Terms: West Coast Main Line
• Geographic Terms: Sydney (Australia); United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Economics; Planning and Forecasting; Railroads; I10: Economics and Administration; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01484766
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 24 2013 11:10AM