ABSTRACT
In the EC countries railways have effectively been controlled by national authorities. Railways are also an environmentally friendly mode of transport. From a theoretical point of view, the idea of separating provision of services from infrastructure in high-speed rail transport is based on the perception that networks have many of the characteristics of a natural monopoly. The large differences in the approaches to railway sectors do not only reflect different political philosophies, but to some extent also considerations of the economic geography of the individual Member States. The integration of the European railway sectors implies that there should be open access to national railway networks by any authorised railway undertaking to encourage international rail services. The development of a high speed rail network as a main mode of transport between the various regions of the EC is included in the Community’s objectives as a means of meeting the increased demand for transport and promote sustainable mobility.
