The
increasing commercialisation and privatisation of railways
worldwide, especially in countries where there has been a decision to
separate the wheel-rail interface,
has been accompanied by the need to put in place regulatory
frameworks to govern commercial and operational activities in order
to achieve value for money, protect safety and guard the public
interest. Because the UK was the first country to pursue such a
course of action it has a track record of success and failure from
which essential lessons can be learned.
Because
First Class Partnerships experience is multi-dimensional it
transcends the individual silos represented by marketing,
passenger operations,
engineering and infrastructure.
Neither is its experience theoretical but is born of practical
hands-on direction of companies operating in the complex commercial
and regulatory environment of railways today. With experience of
directing the activities of companies within vertically integrated,
state owned structures as well as in separated, privatised
environments, including both franchised and open access companies,
First Class Partnerships has a continuity and range of experience
second to none - relevant wherever and whenever regulatory policy is
under discussion.
FCP
has advised UK based rail authorities, including the former Strategic
Rail Authority, Department for Transport
and the Office of Rail Regulation
in a number of areas where an understanding of the practical dynamics
of rail operations were essential in the development of government
policy.
