Optimal Coordination of Timetable and Infrastructure Development in a Liberalised Railway Market

Martin Smoliner, Stefan Walter, Stefan Marschnig

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The gradual liberalisation of the European railway market has so far mainly been assessed regarding its effect on the grade of competition and market access. However, one major impact has not received much attention yet: the effects of the liberalisation on the joint development of timetables and infrastructure. This is especially crucial for countries that align their railway network according to the requirements of the Integrated Timetable (ITF). The implementation of the ITF requires a longterm planning process and network-wide cost-intensive infrastructure measures. Contrary to that, open access traffic can neither be planned in the long-term, nor is it coherent with the ITF. Recent conflicts show that the assignment of train paths for open access traffic considerably affects the system of the ITF, calling for significant timetable and/or infrastructure adaptions. For an efficient and sustainable railway system, a holistic approach is needed allowing for a combination of open access and the requirements of the ITF.
To derive a suitable methodology the status quo of the ITF-implementation and open access traffic is analysed in Austria, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. Based on these findings, three options are identified on how open access can be integrated in an ITF-system according to the EU legislation. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed and finally the optimal procedure in terms of a sustainable network development is recommended
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)97-115
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of Management and Financial Sciences
Volume11
Issue number33
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2018
EventEurotrans 2018: Mobility and European Transport Space - SGH Warschau, Warschau, Poland
Duration: 24 Sept 201825 Sept 2018
http://kolegia.sgh.waw.pl/en/KZiF/structure/KTr/conferences/Pages/default.aspx

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering

Fields of Expertise

  • Sustainable Systems
  • Eurotrans 2018

    Martin Smoliner (Participant)

    24 Sept 201825 Sept 2018

    Activity: Participation in or organisation ofConference or symposium (Participation in/Organisation of)

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