Criteria for the Quality of Services of Public Interest Organized by Train Operators

Abstract

Abstract Public passenger transport, namely, a conclusion of a public service obligation contract (PSO contract) requires a unified calculation methodology. If the unified methodology would be made available to all transport undertakings and if calculations and calculation criteria would be unified, a possibility of creating a transport offer would be more available, hence unified. Thus, the primary aim would be achieved, that is, improving mobility of citizens. It is particularly necessary to classify the route and to determine optimal costs, which entail route length, transport volume, and local circumstances. Market liberalization is crucial in terms of speeding up the procedure regarding the conclusion of the public service obligation contract. Rail transport has numerous advantages in comparison with other transport modes and deserves as such a unified model with criteria, which define it. With selected data, it is possible to create a database, which will facilitate a distribution of funds within a single state. Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 determines the main principles, allocation and contract creation rules. It, however, does not determine parameters of the contract itself. Parameters, which entail the cost of PSO service as well include employees, type of vehicle, track alignment, expenditure, vehicle depreciation, etc. Furthermore, it is necessary to define parameters of transport service itself, which apart from the European standard EN 13816, are to cover accuracy, frequency, cleanliness, proper functioning of technical facilities for vehicles, passenger information, on-board services and handling customers´ complaints. Accordingly, urban public transport service is to be defined yet. Urban public transport service primarily should be acceptable to the customer, whether affected by local government or transport operator. For that service, it is indisputably necessary to include quality criteria, which do not deviate from those laid down by the PSO contract, since this concerns the subsidization of transport from other sources other than the state as well. Along with the EU laws, directives and guidelines, it is necessary to define more efficient criteria, by means thereof it would be possible to not only measure but track the level of transport service quality as well.