In
any country in the world the operating and commercial environments
for railways are determined by government policy. Just as there is a
need for railway companies and investors to understand the impact
that government policy may have on them, so it is also desirable for
national and regional governments to appreciate the effects on
passengers, freight users and companies of their policies. Better
mutual undrstanding will delievr better outcomes.
First
Class Partnerships has worked many times with national and regional
administrations and other public agencies to support the development
and implementation of government transport policies.
We
advised the UK's Strategic Rail Authority and Department for
Transport on the options for infrastructure control and management
following the company failure of Railtrack. We advised Transport for
London on how to achieve its objectives for railways in the light of
new legislation. We advised Merseytravel, the Liverpool based
Passenger Transport Executive, on how to deliver its aim of a
vertically integrated railway concession. We advised Transport
Scotland on arrangements to establish an Operator
of Last Resort; and NEXUS, the Newcastle
based Passenger Transport Executive, on internal change management
needs associated with a potential PFI.
Internationally
we have provided strategic advice on Government Policy to railway
administrations based in Denmark, Sweden, Portugal, France, Hungary
and South Africa. Additionally John
Nelson was invited by a Committee of
the United States Congress to make a presentation to Senators and
officials concerning the structure of railways in the UK including
their regulation.
