The restructuring and privatisation of British Rail: Was it really that bad?

This paper uses a social cost-benefit analysis (SCBA) framework to assess whether rail privatisation in Britain has produced savings in operating costs. The paper shows that major efficiencies have been achieved, consumers have benefited through lower prices, whilst the increased government subsidy has been largely recouped through privatisation proceeds. We also find that output quality is no lower (and is probably better) than under the counterfactual scenario of public ownership (pre-Hatfield). The achievement of further savings is key to delivering improved rail services in the future. This paper finds that a privatised structure, where shareholders demand a return on their investment, has led to significant improvements in operating efficiency - it remains to be seen whether the new regime, with a not-for-profit infrastructure owner, will deliver the same efficiency improvements

Railtrack's stewardship of the network

Available from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:99/40564 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo

A fair deal Guidelines on adjustments to station long term charges

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:GPE/4526 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Penalty fares A policy statement

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:GPC/09437 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Accurate and impartial retailing Meeting the needs of passengers; a consultation document

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:GPC/09420 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Notice of proposed modifications to Railtrack's network licence Reporter, regulatory accounts and annual return

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:m01/16056 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Review of freight charging policy A consultation document

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:m00/26483 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

The periodic review of Railtrack's access charges Final conclusions; volume 1

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:m00/42387 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Investment in the enhancement of the rail network

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:GPC/08548 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo