Question 1 :

The second decade of the 21st century is characterized principally by two facts: an increasing globalization (of economic and commercial activities), which can be described as a procedure of opening national markets to products and services and reducing state subsidies and costs. the effects on the railways of the international financial crisis and the debt crisis in Europe which result in less investment for rail infrastructure, reduction (or even abolition) of state subsidies for both infrastructure and operation of the railways and less disposable income of citizens for transport consumption. Globalization requires a competitive environment and liberalization of the transport market and more particularly of the rail sector, which is understood as the withdrawal of any obstacles concerning: entrance of new operators in the rail market, commercial and tariff policy of the railway undertakings, management, strategy, investment, etc.

a)

Relate the above statement with the current railway market and industry in your country. How do you see the impact of railway globalization and liberalization in your country? You might give an example of any case or rail operations to explain. b)

Rail liberalization generates both opportunities and threats for railways.

Discuss the opportunities and threats based on your reading and understanding.