Modernization of rate policy of suburban passenger companies

Abstract

The problem of the construction of a new system of rate-making in the suburban passenger transportation is described. The analyses of the present day rate systems is conducted. It determined such disadvantages as the absence of the systems flexibility, the record of the competitiveness with other means of transport and social fair pricing. Methods of the rate-making control of the suburban railway transport is researched basing on the multi-level optimization from the view point of its implementation to practical use of the suburban passenger companies. In spite of the correct rate-making conception this method forms socially unfair rates, lets passengers save on the payment of transportation due to «sectoring» the tickets between a rail line station. This can raise the unprofitability of the suburban companies. Moreover, the method of the competitiveness with alternative means of transport is produced, mostly, for the ground, but not on separated passenger correspondences. On the analyses of theory and practical work of the suburban companies the project of the calculating method of fair rates in the suburban lines is offered, which allows to work out a rate matrix for people, depending on their social and economical position in municipal structures of the regional service, the transportation expenses of a suburban company and a probable amount of a regional grant. The rate matrix creation is based on the principals of providing the social fairness. It is reached due to the use of kilometer-by-kilometer station-by-station rate-making type. A suburban company works within competitiveness, therefore the flexible rate policy contains an element of the market pricing to attract an extra passenger flow to the suburban trains. An algorithm of the rate matrix calculation is offered. It takes into account restrictions of the passengers’ solvent demands and the amount of grants with the competitive ability-related rates.