The Privatisation of British Rail: a Track Record

Date

1997-09

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Economic Review (UK)

Abstract

The privatization of railroads in the United Kingdom has involved a subsidy for the new companies providing services, and has been carried out in a complex way. Passengers services have been separated from the maintenance of stations and track. Bidders for passenger service operations have mainly been bidding for subsidies. Franchisees are under pressure to maximise profits when railroad services are profitable. Franchisees may have monopoly power so use monopoly pricing, which leads to a net loss for society. Loss-making services involve a subsidy which may not be set at the best level, but bidding may still allow costs to be cut compared to nationalization.

Description

Keywords

British Rail -- Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Privatization -- United Kingdom, Railroads -- Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, United Kingdom -- Transportation policy

Citation

Dnes, Antony. "The Privatisation of British Rail: A Track Record." Economic Review (UK), no. 1, 1997, p. 4.

DOI

Collections