In this paper, the response of the Dutch government to the recommendations of the Wijffels Committee is given, on the relationship between central government and the Dutch railway. The main points made in the report (of this non-governmental committee, chaired by Wijffels, H.H.P.) were that Netherlands Railways should function as an independent business, and that there should be separation of rail transport functions. This paper covers: the policy background; an outline of the new division of roles; the changes required to various rail transport functions in terms of infrastructure, capacity management, passenger and freight transport; financial implications of changes; and a comparison of developments in other European countries, particularly the UK and Germany.
Samenvatting