Title: PASSENGER TRANSPORT. THE NEW FRAMEWORK. PAPERS PRESENTED AT A CONFERENCE HELD IN APRIL 1993. CHAPTER 2. BRITISH RAIL PUBLIC MONOLITH TO PRIVATE ANARCHY
Abstract: In considering the possibilities for privatising British Rail, the author describes the experience of Japan, Sweden, Germany, Argentina and the United States where comparable processes are taking place. In addition to transferring management from the public to the private sector, privatisation may involve issues of access onto tracks maintained by someone else and the separation of train operation from infrastructure maintenance. Details are given of to what extent these 5 countries have taken each aspect. A number of lessons are drawn from the comparison which can be applied to British Rail. Prospects for British Rail passsengers are examined and the role of the Treasury in dictating transport policy noted. The author concludes that privatisation is feasible and expresses a preference for the American model. In Britain however, he suggests that unlike in other countries privatisation is being attempted in the absense of any national strategy for transport development. Railways cannot operate without subsidy and public investment unless the costs of road transport are externalised. For the covering abstract see IRRD 857765.
Publication Year: 1993
Publication Date: 1993-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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