This part synthesis summarises the economic NRP41 studies (mainly from Module D) and provides an up-to-date picture of the key issues of transport economics within the controversial area of pricing policies, funding, and the regulation of competition. "Getting the prices right" and deregulation do not guarantee success, but if implemented diligently they can develop enormous potential for influencing market forces with regard to sustainability. The analysis of costs and benefits of transport has revealed some new facts, such as large regional differences in cost burdens, high benefits from transport, still increasing external costs, and illogical effects of subsidy redistribution. The advantages, and the controversial aspects, of proposed strategies such as "fair and efficient pricing", road pricing, or the deregulation of the railways, are critically evaluated with reference to many international studies. Studies on acceptance were also evaluated and showed that it is exactly these market oriented strategies that will have a struggle in finding majority public acceptance. (A)
Samenvatting