Open access for railways and transaction cost economics – Management perspectives of Australia's rail companies

Abstract

With the aim to improve efficiency and value for money, in addition to tendered services the European Commission approach to rail organisation allows substantial open access rail services in both passenger and freight operations. This paper investigates, from a transaction cost perspective, whether the European approach is applicable to the Australian context, and more generally to all regions and types of operation. A key focus of this paper is on vertically integrated railways owned by mining companies who are increasingly encouraged to provide open access to their competitors. In addition to the policy perspective, our discussion also includes the views of senior rail managers.