Competition Limits in Railway Transport

TOMEŠ, Zdeněk. Competition Limits in Railway Transport. Ekonomický časopis/Journal of Economics. Bratislava: Ekonomický a Prognostický ústav SAV, 2011, 59/2011, No 2, p. 194-203. ISSN 0013-3035.

Basic information

Original name

Competition Limits in Railway Transport

Name in Czech

Limity konkurence v železniční dopravě

Authors

TOMEŠ, Zdeněk (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution)

Edition

Ekonomický časopis/Journal of Economics, Bratislava, Ekonomický a Prognostický ústav SAV, 2011, 0013-3035

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Other information

Language

English

Type of outcome

Článek v odborném periodiku

Field of Study

50200 5.2 Economics and Business

Country of publisher

Slovakia

Confidentiality degree

není předmětem státního či obchodního tajemství

References:

URL

Impact factor

Impact factor: 0.274

RIV identification code

RIV/00216224:14560/11:00053998

Organization unit

Faculty of Economics and Administration

UT WoS

000290056100006

Keywords (in Czech)

železnice; konkurence; hospodářská soutěž

Keywords in English

railway; competition; competition policy

Tags

International impact, Reviewed

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Abstract

V originále

The aim of the paper is to assess advantages and disadvantages of the policy of railway separation (unbundling) of infrastructure and services. The policy of vertical unbundling is an attempt to introduce competition into the provision of railway services. The vertical unbundling strategy in railways has been strongly advocated by the European Commission as a possibility to increase competition and efficiency in this sector. The strategy has been applied since the beginning of 1990’s in many European countries with varied energy, depth and timing. An evaluation of vertical unbundling strategy reveals both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side there are clear indications that introduction of reforms has improved efficiency. But it is evident that power of competition has significant limits in railways due to numerous specifics of this unique industry. If the unbundling policy has more advantages than disadvantages is subject to debate but there are strong indications that there are also other possible ways of combating inefficiencies in the railway sector.