Definitions of high speed rail (HSR) differ, but a common one is rail systems which are designed for a maximum speed in excess of 250 kph (UIC, 2008). These speeds invariably involve the construction of new track, although trains used on them can also use existing tracks at reduced speeds. A...

In this paper we first consider alternative measures of efficiency. We explain why simple partial productivity measures are inadequate as the basis of overall measures of efficiency, and outline two alternative approaches. The first is technical efficiency - the degree to which output is...

Contents: Foreword by Andrea Camanzi -- Preface -- Part I: Background -- 1. The role of benchmarking in efficiency-enhancing strategies / Chris Nash and Ginevra Bruzzone -- 2. Methodology / Andrew Smith, Giovanni Fraquelli and Carlo Cambini -- 3. The issue of data / Ginevra Bruzzone and Chris...