Rail Regulation and Control in Britain--Where Next?

摘要: This chapter describes how there is one certainty about the rail industry in Britain. That that by time of each Thredbo conference, ideas best to run it will have changed substantially since last one. Already Britain has seen birth Network Rail as a “not for profit” company; further complete change franchising policy; and Strategic Authority implementing capacity utilization policies imply much greater control timetable than hitherto privatization. These changes follow what must be most major crises ever befall national system developed world. As reminder those who not followed story, British was split into passenger franchises, freight operating companies an infrastructure company well many supporting privatized over period 1994-1997. Over first few years privatization traffic strongly grew subsidies fell. In October 2000, fatal accident at Hatfield attributed state track; criminal charges manslaughter are now being pursued against individual railway staff corporate concerned. Following this, severe speed restrictions were put place across network, track renewals greatly accelerated. While this naturally led halt growth traffic, been no serious decline, indeed both recovered their pre-Hatfield levels. The real crisis which these events costs, leading increase level government support. Support more doubled between 2000-2001 2001-2002 through introduction substantial direct grants from Rail, SRA budget 2003-2004 sees support services doubling gain. terms properties Britain, costs overwhelming important problem. However, other key also industry. second problem difficulty obtaining sensible efficient allocation capacity. A third problem, very linked two, determining provide price. fourth giving correct incentives train such services. Fifthly problems surrounding long term investment. paper start outlining problems, then consider far developments two may resolved them.