European community transport policy aims at stimulating competition by allowing open access to the rail network to any company wishing to operate trains. This idea appears to be in conflict with the apparent impracticalities of offering anything other than an exclusive franchise to companies wishing to operate local rail services or frequent long distance services. This paper explores the nature of this conflict by examining the use made of local rail services as a feeder to inter-city services, in the West Midlands. The organisational implications of the necessity for shared use of track on the approaches to new street and moor street stations are considered. The extent and the benefits of shared terminal facilities are examined by reference to the sales of inter-city tickets from local stations. Prospects for a revival of rail versus rail competition between the west midlands and london are reviewed, in relation to the alternative routes available to different train operating companies, and in relation to practice elsewhere. (A)
Abstract