Abstract

In the last 50 years, the rail industry has faced growing competition from road and air transport, and has lost its former role of providing comprehensive freight and passenger transport for the transport market as a whole. Nevertheless, in most parts of the world it has found important and growing markets in specific market segments – bulk and long-distance freight (including containers), medium-distance intercity passenger travel, and commuter services into large cities. The first part of this chapter discusses the economic and commercial position of rail, including the major technological advances that have influenced this position (such as double-stack containers, high-speed rail, cab signaling, etc.).