Railway reform in the last 20 years: European experience reconsidered

The current round of rail reforms in Europe began almost 20 years ago, with the separation of infrastructure from operations in Sweden. Further major developments were the separation of infrastructure from operations in Britain and the complete privatisation of these, with comprehensive passenger franchising, and the formation of Deutsche Bahn AG as a holding company, with separate passenger, freight and infrastructure subsidiaries and opportunities for new passenger operators both on an open access commercial and a franchised basis. Less radical changes have followed in many other countries, and indeed European legislation now requires at least separate accounts for infrastructure and operations and a separation of powers whereby key decisions regarding infrastructure charging and slot allocation may not be taken by an infrastructure manager that is also involved in train operations as an integrated company. The aim of this paper is to reflect on the whole process to date. The next section considers the objectives behind the reforms. We then examine in turn the alternative models that have emerged, and the key elements of the reform (separation of infrastructure from operations, competition in the passenger market, regulation and infrastructure charging) before reaching an assessment and conclusions. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E215911.

• Authors:
  • NASH, C
• Publication Date: 2007-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 145-65 [PLENARIES]
• Serial:
  • INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COMPETITION AND OWNERSHIP IN LAND PASSENGER TRANSPORT, 10TH, 2007, HAMILTON ISLAND, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
  • Publisher: University of Sydney

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Competition; Conferences; Deregulation; Highway facilities; Management; Privatization; Railroad transportation; Transportation
• ITRD Terms: 155: Administration; 235: Competition; 8525: Conference; 144: Deregulation; 171: Privatisation; 1173: Rail bound transport; 1155: Transport
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Planning and Forecasting; Transportation (General); I10: Economics and Administration; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01094838
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Apr 25 2008 8:02AM