Given that there are still many unclear concepts, mutual contradictions and imperfections in methodologies used in the field of track access charging, this book acts as a communication tool for researchers, and discusses these charges with regard to rail freight competitiveness. It addresses four main topics: namely, the technical features of freight transportation and the costs incurred; the impact of incoherence and volatility of freight traffic volume; the market response to the track access charge level; and the influence of transport policy and state subsidies.The text will appeal to infrastructure managers around the world, especially those in networks where there is an intention either to facilitate the shift of freight to railways or to develop rail freight corridors. It illustrates that there are significant differences in the causation of costs on passenger and freight railways, and raises important questions that must be considered when communicating with consumers and the state.
