Competitive tendering provides a way to introduce competition to railways whilst preserving an integrated network of services. It has been used for freight railways in some countries but is particularly attractive for passenger networks when subsidised services make competition between trains...

The privatisation of the railways is a topical issue. Many countries are launching privatisation programmeswith a view to reducing the operating deficits of the railways, notably by making them more competitive. However, at a time of high-speed trains, traffic congestion and concern over the...