This paper aims to analyse the impact of port demand variability on the allocative efficiency of Spanish port authorities during the period 1986-2007. From a distance function model we can obtain a measure of allocative efficiency using two different approaches: error components approach and...

This article presents multi-output, multi-input total factor productivity (TFP) growth rates in agriculture for 88 countries over the 1970–2001 period, estimated with both stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) and the more commonly employed data envelopment analysis (DEA). We find results with...

How to protect “captive shippers” from monopolistic abuses by a railway? In an “open access” system, it’s straightforward: provide infrastructure access to a competing train operating company. In a system without open access – as in, for example, the United States, Canada, Mexico,...

In its 2023 decision approving the acquisition of the Kansas City Southern Railway by the Canadian Pacific, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board conditioned its approval on the merged railway’s commitment “to keep gateways open on commercially reasonable terms” – that is, to allow...

The paper presents the results of a research on railway regulation and liberalisation in Italy, France, Germany and Spain. The analysed fields of regulation are the relationship between the State and the rail companies, network access conditions by operators, slot allocating and pricing schemes...

This paper sets out the origins and development of the UK's unique system of rail operation, funding and regulation. It sets out options to tackle the system's shortcomings to that it works better in the interests of customens and taxpayers. The industry needs the freedom to innovate, to deliver...

The Italian government is proceeding with the privatisation of the Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane group, and is considering a merger with the government-owned highways company. In this article, we argue that changes could be made to the privatisation and reform process, learning from the British...

There are great expectations in the UK for infrastructure and its role in delivering for customers and society, promoting efficiency and economic growth. These expectations are matched by an ambitious forward programme of investments in renewal and expansion of network capacity and quality...

This conference provides an opportunity to examine how regulators collaborate with each other in the UK and compare this with the experiences of our European neighbours. This paper discusses: • the relationship between competition and regulation, as well as the way regulators use their powers;...

Britain’s railways are a great success story. The rail industry needs now to change to sustain the remarkable progress of the last decade. To get the best service for its customers and a good deal for the taxpayer, the industry needs the freedom to innovate, to deliver better value and to make...