A model or a policy muddle? An evaluation of rail franchising in the UK

Rail privatization led to a large increase in both costs and subsidy, and there have been substantial performance and regulatory problems with rail franchises. This article examines these problems in the context of recent developments, including the impact of the recession on train operators and the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Public money & management 2010-11, Vol.30 (6), p.347-354
Main Author: Jupe, Robert
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Containment
Economic policy
Franchising
Government subsidies
Privatization
Railroad transportation
Railways
Regulatory policy
Studies
United Kingdom
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Summary:Rail privatization led to a large increase in both costs and subsidy, and there have been substantial performance and regulatory problems with rail franchises. This article examines these problems in the context of recent developments, including the impact of the recession on train operators and the plan to increase the proportion of rail funding provided by passenger fares from 50% to 75%. Franchising is, in the language of the House of Commons Transport Select Committee, a policy muddle. A way forward would be to bring franchises into the public sector as they expire or as train operators run into difficulties.
ISSN:0954-0962
1467-9302
DOI:10.1080/09540962.2010.525002