The World Bank, with support from the Public Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF) and the Transport Research Support Program, has published an online “toolkit” to guide policymakers in developing and emerging countries in leading reforms to improve railway competitiveness, sustainability and governance. Global experience has shown that commercial operation is the most effective way to deliver rail service that is safe, clean and affordable.
Railway Reform: Toolkit for Improving Rail Sector Performance is a multifaceted resource on railway reform aimed at decision-makers over national, state or provincial railways, especially in developing and emerging market countries. Its purpose is to help policymakers and their advisory teams select the best structural option for their market situation, and then identify, design and implement the right mix of policies, structures, regulations, sector governance, incentives and management practices to deliver effective railway service. It provides key principles to improve the performance of railways, without recommending a “one-size fits all” solution. Rather it helps decision-makers understand the reform process and the range of options for addressing specific issues.
“In many countries, the transition to an efficient and effective railway sector is still a work-in-progress,” said Marc Juhel, the World Bank’s Transport Sector Manager. “This toolkit provides a briefing on global best practice in railway management, as well practical guidance to help policymakers start, resume, or assess reform processes in their respective countries.”
The Railway Reform Toolkit was developed and written by railway experts from around the world. It offers guidance on railway economics and finance, structural reforms, sector governance (with a focus on the role of government), commercial management, and on how to engage the private sector. It also includes nine case studies to illustrate a range of railway reform paths.
To help governments engage the private sector in railway operations, the Toolkit offers guidance on public-private partnership models, including service contract, private operator, franchise, concession, or private ownership. The Toolkit also includes a financial model specifically designed for use in evaluating railway reform and restructuring options.
The Railway Reform Toolkit includes 450 pages of discussions, examples, diagrams, case studies, a financial model, an extensive bibliography, and many links to websites and related reports. It is available on the web at http://www.ppiaf.org/railtoolkit
