The opening of domestic passenger rail markets and public services

Authors

Stefan Akira Jarecki, Doktor nauk prawnych; kierownik Laboratorium Transportu Kolejowego i Publicznego Transportu Zbiorowego oraz koordynator sektora transportu kolejowego w Centrum Studiów Antymonopolowych i Regulacyjnych Wydziału Zarządzania Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego; adiunkt na Wydziale Informatycznych Technik Zarządzania Wyższej Szkoły Informatyki Stosowanej i Zarządzania; uczestnik Warszawskiego Seminarium Aksjologii Administracji; zawodowo związany z administracją rządową, w której obecnie zajmuje się obsługą prawną procesu wydatkowania środków europejskich

Keywords

fourth railway package, railway transport, rail passenger market, open access, open-access operator, public services, public services obligation, services in general economic interest

Abstract

In 2016, the fourth railway package has finally been adopted. The fourth railway package completes the process of the gradual opening of the rail passenger market in the EU. It establishes the general right for railway undertakings established in one member state to operate all types of passenger services everywhere within the EU. Thus, the package introduces open access to railway infrastructure for domestic passenger services (competition in the market). Does it really mean that open access competition will develop? However, services provided under public services obligation (as defined, entrusted and financed by national authorities) might be an important barrier to entry in the rail passenger market for open access operators. This article will examine the new EU legislation regarding the opening of the domestic passenger rail market through the prism of the absence of a precise EU definition of what constitutes a public service in railway transport.

Recommended Citation

Jarecki, S. (2017). The opening of domestic passenger rail markets and public services. internetowy Kwartalnik Antymonopolowy i Regulacyjny (internet Quarterly on Antitrust and Regulation), 6(4), 86-99. https://doi.org/10.7172/2299-5749.IKAR.4.6.7

First Page

86

Last Page

99

Page Count

13

DOI

10.7172/2299-5749.IKAR.4.6.7

Publisher

University of Warsaw