>I have been thinking about the method of how Train operators are charged under
>the various track access schemes,and have come to the conclusion that Rail can
>never compete with road simply because the fundamental differance of the
>charging regimes.
>The road freight industry doesnt pay the equivalent of a rail access
>charge,you could call it a road access charge.
>Rather it pays 2 components in fees.
>One is a annual registration charge for the prime mover , based on the number
>of axles and gross weight.
>The other is the federal fuel excise on diesel fuel consumed.
>This essentially means that the road user doesnt pay a road access charge per
>trip , but only pays based on the fuel used.
>This essentially means that it is economic for the truckie to keep his truck
>on the road as much as possible,as it increases his revenue.
>
>Rail on the other hand , has to pay the Federal fuel excise and also pay a
>track access charge based on the number trips and the tonnage hauled.
>This means that rail has a massive disadvantage over the trucking industry.
>Should we be moving towards a locomotive registration charge for each
>locomotive based on the equivalent truck charge , ie the axle load and the
>number of axles,and completely forget track access charges.
>This means that the rail industry then has the same incentives as the road
>industry,ie keeping all the registered locomotives running as much as possible
>thus raising the available income.
>Charging track access fees is essentially calling Rail Network a Toll Railway.
>
>Comments.
>
>MD
>
>
It's a pity rail useage ( diesle used) pays the same fuel levey as
road transport and this TAX goes towards improving our roads instead
of our rails.