ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides the introduction by tracing the evolution of transport policy, particularly with respect to the United Kingdom but also with respect to developments in Europe and globally. It examines the financing and pricing of road infrastructure. The book also provides a commentary on the several papers, comparing and contrasting the approaches adopted in the rail and road sectors. It explores the impact of competition initiated by the 1993 Railways Act and explains the impact of competition in the local bus market initiated by the 1985 Transport Act. The book discusses the range of regulations applicable to the rail and road industries and highlights the important issue of enforcement. It presents a commentary on Bill Bradshaw and Mike Hoban’s paper, raising amongst other things, the role of merit tests, the free rider problem in quality upgrades and the importance of dynamics.
