A Survey of Productivity and Efficiency Measurement in Rail Transport

Tae Hoon Oum, W. G. Waters, Chunyan Yu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper surveys alternative methodologies for measuring the productivity and efficiency of railways, and the empirical findings of applied studies. Empirical studies reveal trends and differences among railways and time periods. Almost all studies reviewed conclude that increased competition via regulatory liberalisation and deregulation has improved efficiency, Many European studies find that managerial autonomy increases efficiency. It is important that the effects of differential operating environments such as traffic density and the characteristics of a rail network should be removed in order to make a proper comparison of efficiency.
Original languageAmerican English
JournalJournal of Transport Economics and Policy
Volume33
StatePublished - Jan 1999
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • productive efficiency
  • railway systems
  • cost functions
  • efficiency metrics
  • cost efficiency
  • production efficiency
  • productivity growth
  • transportation economics
  • cost estimates

Disciplines

  • Business
  • Business Administration, Management, and Operations
  • Transportation

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