Railway efficiency. Metodological aspects

Abstract

Improving market competitiveness and economic efficiency was the objective behind the demonopolisation and liberalisation of the railway sector in the European Union. Achieving this objective remains important and crucial to the development of a single rail transport market. The transport performance and financial results of the sector under the new, separative organisational structure of railways in the EU is the result of the action of many different actors, private operators and public entities. This significantly complicates the development of uniform and clear comparable performance evaluation indicators for the sector and makes comparative analyses difficult. Moreover, the specific situation of railways in the EU as a tool for implementing environmental and social policy may conflict with the requirements of financial efficiency. The article presents determinants and methods of measuring railway efficiency proposed by researchers and practitioners.