This study was carried out for the Dutch government, concerning a future policy to admit companies to the railroad network. The study has caused a number of recommendations on how to reform the railways. A distinction has to be made between policy before and after the year 2000. With passenger services only one distinction can be made, namely between contracted and non-contracted services. The Dutch government wants to improve quality and efficiency, and to bring down road congestion. In addition, the introduction of competition has to take place gradually. Therefore, companies should only be permitted before the year 2000: (1) when this does not cause a substantial economical decline of the Netherlands Railways Netherlands Railways (NS) Passenger Division; or (2) when this causes a clear surplus value for passengers. After the year 2000 the market should be able to regulate itself. There should be a kind of charge on infrastructure or services, coupled to commercial attractivity. By this, social desirable services can be stimulated without interference by the government on a very detailed level. (A)
Abstract