Regolazione decentrata e servizio concentrato: le ferrovie regionali viaggiano su un binario stretto?

This paper focuses on the recent evolution of structure and regulation of local railways transportation in Italy. The regulation changes aimed at improving the efficiency and the quality of service of regional trains produced very modest results. Regions have not exploited the tools available, encouraging the dominance of Trenitalia (the most important provider of transportation services under public control) in local markets too. Service improvement requires more “neutral rules” and greater ability of Regions in selecting the operator and in defining the content of service contracts. The existing network is sufficient, given its present use, also in international comparison.