Abstract: This chapter describes how, the Spanish government, with the support of the most recent strategies defined by the European rail policy in recent years, has opted for a long-term strategy of winning back rail customers through the development of high-speed corridors. Following the French model, Spain has devoted considerable resources to an ambitious national high-speed network in order to integrate the country regions, reduce congestion, and increase personal mobility. Although this risky strategy may prove to be successful, it is also very expensive. Besides, high-speed trains sacrifice the rail freight business and its high operating costs will discourage the entry of potential competitors. In summary, the lack of effective competition has been the most defining characteristic of the traditional rail model in Spain and it is difficult to see this will change in the near future. The chapter describes how the 2003 Rail Sector Law has established a new framework and this new law is a huge leap forward.
Publication Year: 2006
Publication Date: 2006-10-27
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 4
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