Railway transformation
When talking about innovation and change, many people tend to overlook traditional industries and services sectors. In the railways sector, for example, there are very strong driving forces at work today that will lead to lasting change. At the end of
transformation process, railway companies will be more efficient, more customer-oriented and more international than at the outset.
Global transformation issues
This is the argument of a new book on "Railway transformation", edited by Transportation partner Martin Streichfuss. The volume offers its readers an overview of recent developments in the railway business and presents a useful synopsis of the issues facing today's rail companies all over the world:
These issues are addressed by 30 railway experts from nine countries including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Roland Berger provided a foreword for the book, former Deutsche Bahn CEO Hartmut Mehdorn the introduction.
In four parts, the volume deals with the more general aspects of transformation in the railway business, with passenger service, rail cargo and logistics, and with key corporate and functional issues of the transformation process.
"Transforming a railway is a long-lasting process, which comprises structural improvements, strategic realignment of networks and product offerings, internationalization, and efficiency improvements," says editor Martin Streichfuss. "The book provides an outline of the major challenges in the transformation process and describes how leading companies have mastered them."
transformation process, railway companies will be more efficient, more customer-oriented and more international than at the outset.
Global transformation issues
This is the argument of a new book on "Railway transformation", edited by Transportation partner Martin Streichfuss. The volume offers its readers an overview of recent developments in the railway business and presents a useful synopsis of the issues facing today's rail companies all over the world:
- Due to liberalization, railway companies are now faced with rigorous competition;
- As traditional national structures are dissolving, customers are demanding international offers, and the railways are responding by developing into international players;
- Customers also expect to be given more than a simple train ride or cargo transport. They want integrated transportation solutions with smooth, seamless operations;
- Public and corporate responsibilities within railway companies are now being unbundled. Besides new processes and structures, this leads a reduction in the influence of the political sector;
- There is a great need for investment in modernization and infrastructural development. Private capital has to be mobilized if these investments are to be financed.
These issues are addressed by 30 railway experts from nine countries including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Roland Berger provided a foreword for the book, former Deutsche Bahn CEO Hartmut Mehdorn the introduction.
In four parts, the volume deals with the more general aspects of transformation in the railway business, with passenger service, rail cargo and logistics, and with key corporate and functional issues of the transformation process.
"Transforming a railway is a long-lasting process, which comprises structural improvements, strategic realignment of networks and product offerings, internationalization, and efficiency improvements," says editor Martin Streichfuss. "The book provides an outline of the major challenges in the transformation process and describes how leading companies have mastered them."
