Developments in the ownership and control of railroads affect commuter rail. Vertical integration and open access are widely seen as mutually exclusive options for rail reform. North American railroads were relieved of passenger service obligations and granted commercial freedom to improve profitability—all within the vertically integrated tradition. In Europe, infrastructure separation aims to encourage competition on traditionally monolithic and unprofitable government railways. Australia and Argentina have opted for business sectors and vertically integrated operating concessions. These differing policy initiatives have triggered remarkably similar responses by commuter rail authorities. Commuter rail is now managed with more local control than previously, with governments providing necessary operating support and infrastructure investment. Separation between commuter rail operators and control of rail infrastructure has generally increased, and greater institutional coordination is now required to deliver effective commuter service. Regardless of national rail policy, commuter rail agencies can improve service by obtaining or retaining control of the carrier core functions. Under vertical integration, agencies may purchase control of rail infrastructure assets and invest in improvements as opportunities arise. Under open access, this must be accomplished by consolidating regionwide purchasing power for train paths to foster productive relationships with the infrastructure steward.


    Access

    Download

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Organizational Regimes for Commuter Rail: Improving Train Service Worldwide


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record


    Contributors:
    Allen, John G. (author) / Lu, Alex (author)


    Publication date :

    2010-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Improving Inner-City Mobility with Commuter Rail Service

    Nelson, David / Duse-Anthony, Yawa / Friemann, Scott | Transportation Research Record | 2005


    Austin's New Commuter Rail Service

    Almond, J. / Krisak, R. / Jolly, P. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2006


    Commuter Rail

    Nelson, David O. / Martinez, Eloy / Bonina, Stephen | Transportation Research Record | 2012


    COMMUTER RAIL

    Online Contents | 1997