A Study on Applying a Vertical Separation System for Railway Network Improvement in Metropolitan Areas

Abstract

It is difficult to improve urban railway network even though such improvement is socially desired. The reason is that it is very costly and that there often is a conflict of interest between parties concerned, i.e., railway companies and local governments. Applying the system of vertical separation, that is, a separation of railway into rail owner and train operators, can be a solution to this problem and make possible a provision of socially necessary railway services. This study examines a framework of vertical separation of urban railway network, including some methods that enable entry of train operators and tariff determination.