Choice of regional passenger transportation development model based on world-wide survey

Abstract

Introduction. Regional passenger companies (RPCs) split-off was a result of Russian railways restructuring. Now RPCs have some problems of development, one of them is insufficient funding from regional authorities. Purpose. The purpose of the research is identification of regional passenger transportation general tendencies and features in various countries on the base of international experience survey, including forms of interaction between RPCs and regional authorities. The research is focusing on the following aspects: 1) competition forms at suburban and regional passenger transportation markets; 2) railway infrastructure and vehicles ownership; 3) state or private ownership on regional passenger companies; 4) regional passenger transportation financing schemes; 5) possibilities of regional passenger transportation performance increasing. Methodology. For achievement of the research purpose general scientific methods were applied, such as: analysis and synthesis, generalization, analogy, comparison, induction, system approach. Results. The article has the analysis of competition forms at regional passenger transportation markets. Models of regional passenger transportation development in the world are classified into competition model and regulatory model. Practical importance. Results of the research can be used by regional authorities in case of transportation policy development, transport reforming and further regional passenger transportation improvement. Conclusion. The survey of regional passenger companies development should be considered in case of suburban railway passenger transportation reforming in our country. It must be kept in mind RPCs operating conditions in certain regions of Russia, the high level of social importance and historical aspects of suburban transportations development.