Competition and regulation in the transport sector : a recurrent game and some pending issues.

Author(s)
Viegas, J.M.
Year
Abstract

It is often assumed that the dominant goal of transport policy should be to maximise economic efficiency of transport operations, but this is only true if other important attributes of these operations are taken for granted. Successive policy waves of more regulation followed by more competition are observed. High intensity competition may lead to instability of transport supply or to duplication of services. Product differentiation may alleviate some of these problems, as has occurred in the air transport industry. Competition for the market, tenders and contracts are discussed. Competition and regulation are considered important instruments in the transport system which are not antagonistic. It is suggested that innovation is encouraged by short contracts with the possibility of extension if pre-established targets are achieved. Regulatory authorities also need to display a dynamic attitude to redefining regulations including preventing negative effects such as abusive competition. For the covering abstract of this conference see ITRD E128114.

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Publication

Library number
C 35158 (In: C 35145 S) /72 /10 / ITRD E128128
Source

In: 50 years of transport research : experience gained and major challenges ahead : introductory report and summary of discussions of the 16th International Symposium on Theory and Practice in Transport Economics, Budapest, 29-31 October 2003, p. 267-286, 19 ref.

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This publication is one of our other publications, and part of our extensive collection of road safety literature, that also includes the SWOV publications.